Kansan Girl Chronicles

If Florence Welch and Shakira had a baby....

2012-03-12T12:00:00.001-04:00

Zola Jesus courtesy of loudandquiet.com

Her name would be Zola Jesus. I recently discovered her music while watching my favorite show Skins and was instantly hooked on her unique voice. At first, you'd think it was Florence and the Machine but the longer you listen to her the more she starts to sound similar to Shakira...on operatic steroids...but in a good way!

Zola, whose real name is Nika Roza Danilova, hails from Wisconsin and at the ripe age of 22 already has three albums under her belt. Her style of music and her voice is delightfully haunting and some critics describe her as the "darling" of an indie goth-pop genre.

She sounds even better live which is a hard thing to do considering some singers who sing live sound terrible. When she came down to Tampa for a performance (which I unfortunately missed!) my alma mater reviewed her and said:

With Jesus' operatic vocal style, the album has a mystical quality to it that translates well into her live show.....it's rare to find an artist whose live act surpasses their studio-made sound. Even the best known artists are known to sound a little rougher for the wear on stage but Jesus' music is all the more powerful when it's live and in the moment. Her voice pierces through the speakers, making everything in the room vibrate and enrapturing the audience in a veiled intimacy.

Needless to say, she's already one of my favorite singers and I can't wait to see what she puts out next! Take a listen below!

Deciding to become homeless

2012-02-29T10:43:00.001-05:00

Here's a recent article I did on a woman who decided to become homeless to face her fears. Enjoy! (from The Florida Courier)

South Florida woman becomes homeless on purpose to overcome fear of failure

Written by Fcadmin | 28 February 2012

BY NAOMI PRIOLEAU

SPECIAL TO THE COURIER

Te-Erika Patterson is in a better place, financially and physically than she was just 10 months ago.

Te-Erika Patterson sold all her belongings and became homeless in
April 2011

Patterson, 32, of Hollywood, Fla., sold all of her belongings and became homeless on April 11, 2011. She joined the reported other 56, 771 homeless men, women and children in Florida (as of 2011) but documented her journey on YouTube and turned it into a project.

The Rebuild Your Life Project is dedicated to helping women overcome their fears of failure by showing them how to survive and restart their lives. Patterson described herself and her life up until April as a perpetual failure. In the events leading up to the day she decided to give everything away, Patterson struggled to survive – losing her car, both of her jobs and dropping out of graduate school.

“My world was crumbling all around, and I was trying to figure out what to do next,” Patterson said. “I just kind of stood still for a while.”

From grad school to homelessness

Patterson, who grew up in a predominately Black neighborhood in Miami’s Liberty City earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida in 2004. She then took classes toward her master’s in marriage and family counseling at Barry University but never finished.

One of the requirements for completion of the degree was to complete an internship in an office – something that Patterson remembered gave her anxiety attacks.

“The internship would require me to work for eight months in an office setting and I hadn’t done that in a very long time,” she explained. “The last time I did that, that’s what triggered my panic attacks and anxiety.”

When she stopped working in the office, Patterson felt there was nothing left for her to do and dropped out of graduate school. That’s when she decided to give all of her belongings to a homeless shelter and rebuild her life.

Started website MySavvySisters.com

Patterson’s mother and two sons – ages 9 and 11 – were shocked but then gave their support when she told them her decision to become homeless. However, Patterson felt her choice was necessary to deal with her fear of failing in life.

At the request of one of her followers on her blog, Patterson went to a tarot card reading which told her to start her female empowerment website MySavvySisters.com. She said the thought of disappointing themselves and others is what she thinks limits women from achieving their goals.

“The most important thing that holds women back from going after their dreams or removing themselves from debilitating situations whether in relationship or jobs, is their fear of extreme failure and losing everything,” Patterson said.

Kicked out of park, assaulted and jailed

The four months Patterson spent on the streets were not without consequence or lessons learned. She slept in a park before being kicked out and sought refuge in a shelter, was sexually assaulted and spent two nights in jail. At times, Patterson questioned her ability to make it through being homeless. She often asked herself why she did what she did and what would happen if she failed at another event in life.

“It seemed like such a good plan when I was organizing it,” she said, while asking: “What if I fail again? What if everyone watches me fail again? How can I bounce back? I’m so mad at myself for putting myself through this.”

However, Patterson often reminded herself that she was in a temporary situation while living in a shelter and on the streets, and that greater things would come from it.

“What I had to tell myself was this isn’t permanent,” Patterson noted. “This will be a memory. Everything around me will be a memory one day and that took away the sting of being in it and it allowed me to capture those moments in my mind so that I could write about them later that night.”

A life with no privacy

On her YouTube channel, Patterson vents to her viewers about sleeping conditions, missing her sons, the variety of people she lives with and trying to find some alone time while living in a homeless shelter. She said that adjusting to living with other people was difficult and frustrating – having no privacy with more than 100 people, but the transition made her appreciate the situation that much more.

While some have called her methods extreme, Patterson claimed it was necessary if she wanted to be the person she is today. She thinks releasing what held her back was the most important thing she’ll ever do in her life.

“I just let go,” Patterson stated. “I let go of trying to hustle and trying to find ways to make money, let go of trying to sustain what I had, which wasn’t much to begin with.”

Job fair helped 100 find work

After living on the streets, Patterson found a job as a server at a Denny’s restaurant where she still works. Two months after she began working, Patterson saved enough money to move out of the homeless shelter and into a house that she shares with roommates. She has no desire to obtain her master’s degree and lives a simple lifestyle. She hasn’t gone shopping to replace the items she gave away.

As an employee, Patterson was able to create a partnership with the restaurant chain, which resulted in a job fair that hired more than 100 unemployed South Floridians on the spot.

Patterson hopes through her two websites and her life story that she can inspire others. She currently is coordinating with more organizations to have job initiatives to help the homeless.

“What I ended up doing, doing a project, I could have done on my own without turning it into a project,” Patterson reflected. “However, the lesson I learned, the most important lesson doing that project, is the ability to be so down and to quickly understand how to change my mentality to one that will benefit me.”

For more information on Te-Erika Patterson’s journey and information on the Rebuild Your Life Project, visit www.rebuildyourlife.com and www.mysavvysisters.com.

Guest Blogger for Visit Florida!

2012-02-23T10:02:00.000-05:00

My dear friend Dalia asked me to be a guest blogger on Smart Travel as apart of VisitFlorida.com on what else? Ways to Save Money While Traveling! Make sure to read it below and let me know if you have any additional tips!

Guest Blogger: Jetsetter Naomi Prioleau Shares 4 Ways to Save Money while Traveling

February 23, 2012

Among the best souvenirs Naomi has picked up abroad are money-saving travel tips! Credit: Naomi Prioleau

Dalia's note: My friend Naomi Prioleau, of the blog Kansan Girl Chronicles, is one savvy traveler. She's not yet old enough to rent a car, but the girl sure does find ways to get around! Her passport includes stamps from Spain, Morocco, England, France, Italy and Mexico, and she has a trip to Argentina in the works. Naomi's international journeys have made her a smarter traveler stateside, too. Below she shares some of her best money-saving travel tips.

When it comes to traveling, I know how to save money. A majority of the people I encounter use the excuse that traveling is too expensive. Well, after I give you these four tips, you may be singing a different tune.

1. Book ahead.
Even before you begin your travels, book your plane ticket ahead. WAY ahead. Have you ever heard stories of people who booked a trip to Turkey for only $700 dollars round trip? That’s either because they booked ahead, found an airline website that gives good deals or know someone in the industry. By buying a plane ticket months in advance, you’re saving money before you travel. If you need assistance in looking for good deals there’s always websites like Kayak, Airfarewatchdog and others that will help you save money.
2. Eat like a local.
As a tourist, you can get swindled out of money without even knowing it. How? Food. When it comes to food you have two options: make your own food or dine out. Sure, you may think you’re acting like a local by asking where the “locals” eat, but most likely, you’re being led to a touristy restaurant aimed at taking your money. It’s all about asking the right questions. Rather than “Where’s the best place for a romantic dinner?,” ask “Where would you take your significant other to eat on your anniversary?” Trust me, you’ll get a COMPLETELY different answer and insight into the refreshing and hidden cuisines that can save you money and fill you up.

3. Low-cost transportation.

Why spend money on a taxi when you can use your two feet for free? Taxis are easily the most expensive modes of transportation you can use when you travel. Buses, trains, bicycles and walking are the easiest ways to cut down on unnecessarily having to spend money because they can get you anywhere at a lower rate. Some cities, like Miami and Punta Gorda, offer low-cost and even free bike share programs. Cheap transportation and a workout? Yes, please!4. Shop smarter.

Shopping is my favorite part of traveling, and there’s a strategic way to shop and save money. You can be overwhelmed by the amount of stores, souvenirs and vendors on one street and even may fall victim to overpriced gifts. However, go off the beaten path and venture into the unknown (just don’t get lost), and you’ll be able to find more authentic and reasonably priced gifts for yourself and loved ones.

So now that you have these four tips, what are you waiting for? Get out there! Florida is waiting to meet you.

The real "Red Tails" Story

2012-02-17T12:19:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I went to the Fantasy of Flight attraction to interview the Tuskegee Airmen and here's my story! (from The Florida Courier)

Three Tuskegee Airmen tell of their successes, challenges in military during World War II

BY NAOMI PRIOLEAU
SPECIAL TO THE FLORIDA COURIER

A former navigator, bombardier and pilot in the 332nd Fighter Group of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, Daniel Keel said he was no different from others who wanted to protect their country. Keel, who lives in Leesburg, was one of the three Tuskegee Airmen who spoke to a crowd of children, students, veterans and parents on Feb. 11 in Polk City about their lives and time in the military.

From left to right are Tuskegee Airmen Daniel Keel, George Hardy and Leo Gray. The program was moderated by Deric Feacher, right. (NAOMI PRIOLEAU/SPECIAL TO THE COURIER)

Retired Lt. Colonels George Hardy of Sarasota and Leo Gray of Fort Lauderdale along with Keel spent three days at Fantasy of Flight, an aviation-themed exhibit in Central Florida – sharing their stories, answering questions and meeting fans. Gray, 91, Keel, 89, and 88-year-old Hardy overcame extreme odds with courage, dignity and honor.
The Tuskegee Airmen, who have received praise for their service during World War II, consisted of four fighter squadrons, the 99th, the 100th, the 301st and the 302nd. The first all-Black group to serve as military aviators, they surpassed expectations for them to fail and in the end brought home record numbers in the air and on the ground.

Integration brought new struggles
They destroyed more than 100 German aircraft in the air and 150 on the ground as well as 950 railcars, trucks and other vehicles. With more than 850 medals, they’ve made a place in history and have a permanent multimedia exhibit at the Fantasy of Flight that includes facts and a vintage aircraft collection for the public to enjoy.
Hardy, Gray and Keel traveled extensively throughout their career abroad and domestic to receive proper training before heading into combat. Hardy was sent to Guam just before integration took place in the United States. When he returned home, he was welcomed to a new set of difficulties: integration.
"I was in the service when integration took place in July 1949," said Hardy. "After I came back to the States, there was a period of racial integration and those were tough times."

Still had to ride in back of bus
Keel told stories of discrimination at the hands of a White lieutenant colonel whom he described as "having it out for him." Upon his arrival to a Texas Army base for additional bombardier training, Keel said the lieutenant colonel let them know what they were allowed and weren’t allowed to do.
"One, we could not eat in the officers’ mess, two we could not go in the officers’ club, three, if we go to the base theater we couldn’t sit in the officers’ section and four, if we go to town, we had to ride in the back of the bus," said Keel. "I knew I was in trouble as soon as he said that."
Keel said the lieutenant colonel tried to have him court-martialed but didn’t succeed. He then tried to hold him back from graduating. Of 27 students, Keel and two others were the only ones who graduated. However, Keel looks at experiences like those in a positive light. He said if it hadn’t been for racial segregation, he wouldn’t have the triple ranking he has today – it pushed him to achieve more.

‘The best of the best’
Despite their unfair treatment, Gray, Keel and Hardy made history and showed that any negative situation can be turned into a positive one. Hardy said he and others considered themselves to be the best of the best and used the discrimination they experienced as ammunition to do better.
"They took the cream of the crop and skinned the cream of the cream," said Hardy. "So we thought we were the best of the best – that we were as good as any pilot that the Air Force had, and we were going to demonstrate what we could do."

Airmen: Education missing from film
An essay contest being sponsored by Fantasy of Flight asks students in grades 4-12 to use the principles of LEAD (Leadership, Excellence, Advocacy and Determination) and explore how the Tuskegee Airmen achieved success and how they can apply their values to their life and personal goals.
The Tuskegee Airmen stressed the importance of education to the audience at Fantasy of Flight, making it clear that education and hard work can open numerous doors, which is something they felt was left out of the film "Red Tails."
The movie, which opened last month and has grossed $45 million as of Feb. 12, brings the plight of the Tuskegee Airmen to the silver screen to educate viewers on the contributions these men made to World War II and American history.
Executive produced and majorly funded by George Lucas, the film was considered anti-Hollywood in a sense, as it had an all-Black cast, which some critics believed wouldn’t fare well at the box office.
Gray said the film’s portrayal of them and others was the producer’s perception of stories that were told to him by former pilots. Hardy said he enjoyed the film but mentioned that it only covered a small portion of the war and themselves. Keel thought the movie should have included the events leading up to them being sent to Italy, including the exams they had to take to become pilots and the classes at the Tuskegee Institute.

‘More than a pilot’
Through it all – the films, the discrimination and awards – Hardy said growing up he was no different from anyone else and was taught that, regardless of race, this too was his country.
"When the time came that the country was in danger, we had the right to protect it like anyone else," said Hardy.
As they received applause and thanks for their recognition, Dr. Hiram Mann, also a Tuskegee Airman, asked the three speakers what makes an Airman. Keel noted that not all of them became pilots because there was a quota but stressed that the men and women who served all offered different skills beneficial to the group.
"A Tuskegee Airman is more than a pilot," said Keel. "A Tuskegee Airman is a bombardier, doctor, lawyers, nurses, mechanics. All these people were a part of the Tuskegee experiment. A Tuskegee Airman was everyone, including women."

Bad Girls

2012-02-06T14:13:00.001-05:00

Live fast, die young, bad girls do it well.

Let it be known that I am a huge M.I.A fan. I have liked her for a while now and appreciate that she's quirky, fresh and makes music (and videos for that matter) with a message.Color me surprised when I discovered that she did a song with Madonna and Nicki Minaj (more so with Nicki Minaj) but nevertheless the re-release of her song "Bad Girls" off her mixtape "Vicki Leakx" more than makes up for it.

The femininity, the political message and the crazy stunts that these people do with cars lets me breathe a little easier knowing there are female artists out there who don't have to use their body parts to ooze sexuality.

Enjoy!

Oh Baby!

2012-01-23T23:19:00.000-05:00

Mommy to be Dalia and I

On Sunday I went to my former colleague, Dalia's baby shower. Since I met her in June of 2010, I've always regarded her as my "future self." She's a few years older than me, has traveled to Spanish speaking countries (and speaks the language fluently), is a reporter and from further up North (Ohio). She's so full of life and personable, which is something that I've been steadily working on.

So of course when I found out she and her husband, Braulio were expecting a little bundle of joy, I was ecstatic! I love when people I'm close to are pregnant! She's a fabulous woman in general and I just know she'll be a fantastic mother and I'm pretty certain little miss Norah will be just like her.

The animal baby theme was too cute!

Not only was the cake cute and delicious...but I got to take
the rest home with me!

Brown rice, plantains, tomatoes, peppers Cuban beef, lettuce
and lime=YUM!

The venue for the baby shower, a Mexican restaurant named The Lime was perfect. The food was delicious, the colors in the room coincidentally matched the theme of the shower and just had a nice atmosphere to it. This was my first baby shower and I'm so glad it was for my future self's bundle of joy. Can't wait to meet you Norah!

Three more months left!

Tim Tebow and Jesus

2012-01-15T23:52:00.000-05:00

It seems as though ever since Tim Tebow started playing for the Denver Broncos, people have been more focused on his religion and beliefs rather than his skills. Some argue that Tebow isn't that great of a player, some argue that he is an amazing player, but somehow his playing capabilities always lead back to his faith in God.

There have been many debates about whether its hard work or God helping Tebow and the Broncos win games. This then leads to the often said statement: "God doesn't have time to think about a silly football game. There's more important things He's worried about." Exactly how do we know what God is worried about? Why would it be so wrong for Him to listen to the prayers of a football team or specific player who asks for strength and guidance during a game?

Tim Tebow taking a moment to give thanks to God, which
is now known as "Tebowing." photo via preachinghelp.com

I see it like this, if you're religious and you pray to get a good grade on an exam...is that not "trivial?" What about an animal activist who prays that dogs in shelters find good homes...could that be considered as "not important?"

It all comes down to what people view as important during a stressful time. We humans might say what we should and shouldn't pray for but at the end of the day, we're not God. God listens to all prayers and I highly doubt that He chooses which ones are important and turns a deaf ear toward the ones that aren't.

Trypophobia....ick!

2012-01-09T21:39:00.000-05:00

I was on Twitter (@naomiprioleau) the other day and one of my followers said the following:

If you can look at this without scratching yourself, you aren't human.

He then posted a link and, of course my curiosity got the best of me. I clicked on the link and ICK I was thoroughly disgusted. This was the photo:


courtesy of forumplanet.gamespy.com (This is a photoshopped image)

If your skin isn't crawling and you're not itching all over or checking to see if you have any holes growing out of your skin then congratulations you don't have trypophobia.

Urban Dictionary defines the unofficial word of trypophobia as an irrational fear of holes, pods, circles etc., resulting in an all-over itchy feeling and general discomfort. If you get chills at the sight of large open pores, strawberries or sponges you might have trypophobia.

Although it hasn't been recognized as a formal phobia by the Oxford English Dictionary or any medical officials, it is very much real for those who vomit just at the sight of coordinated holes. I'm no medical expert, but I did get the heebie-jeebies looking at this picture but I did pass (or is it fail?) the "Do You Have Trypophobia?" test. Watch the video below and see if you have it!

LAST ENTRY OF THE YEAR!

2011-12-31T20:40:00.003-05:00

Well folks, this is my last post of the year! I'll definitely be sad to see 2011 go, but I can't wait to see what's in store for me and my blog in 2012! I've had a wonderful year this year and it was full of transitions but every situation I found myself in and every opportunity I received, helped shape me as I go through my 20's. So I'll bid you adieu with the last #WEverb11 entry!

31. Foresee

Where do you hope to be on Jan 1, 2013?

I hope that by the beginning of 2013, I'm in a good place financially, mentally, physically and emotionally. I hope to be doing what I love with journalism and writing for a newspaper and of course doing a lot more traveling. I hope that I will finally have my tooth surgery and LASIK completed by then and simply be happy. I hope that I'm happy in life, in Christ and love.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I'LL SEE YOU IN 2012!

#WEverb11: Meditate

2011-12-30T22:39:00.000-05:00

30. Meditate

Were you happy with who you were in 2011? Who do you want to be in 2012 and beyond?

I would say for the most part I was but there are definitely some things I need to work on i.e. my awkwardness. I've noticed that ever since Spain, I've become quite awkward in conversations, I'm not as sociable or friendly towards people like I used to be. It's like I have this "only speak when spoken to" mind frame and I hate it.

In 2012 and beyond, I'd like to be more like my mother. I know it's shocking because SO many people don't want to be like their mothers, but my mom is amazing. If I could have half the social skills that she does, I'd set for life. Her poise, beauty, style and grace is what I envy yet desire to have. She can make friends with anyone and go out alone and be completely fine with herself. I have to realize that she did grow into it, it didn't happen over time like I want it to be, but I'm definitely going to try!

#WEverb11: Gush

2011-12-29T21:23:00.000-05:00

29. Gush
Begin to create a plan for “My friends day out 2012″ – tell us what you envision.

I have so many different types of friends I can't just describe "my friends day out 2012" because it's an blanket statement that generalizes that all my friends are similar. Wrong.

I have some friends like my London sisters Tiffany Y. and Christine that I could take to a museum, out to an arts festival, go to a hole in the wall restaurant, read each others writings and enjoy a nature walk.

2008 end of the school year dinner when I lived in Gainesville

Then there are others like Mirah, Tiffany T. and Shannon, whom I have fun with all the time! Somehow we always get into trouble. I let loose when I'm with them and usually when we go out, obscene amounts of alcohol are involved, dancing to the point of bruised toenails and memories that last forever.

Of course there's girls like Alex, Aditi and Vanessa. We can do anything and everything and make it a "friends day out." It could be grocery shopping or laying around the house, catching a movie, eating sushi or having a spa day.

I have friends who inspire me, friends who make me laugh, friends who I can just chill with but the truth is, they all bring out different sides of me, so I can't simply say what this "friends day out 2012" would include because NONE of my friends are the same. So take that take that!

#WEverb11: Pay it Forward

2011-12-28T19:41:00.000-05:00

28. Pay it Forward
Describe a random act of kindness that you benefited from in 2011. How will you pay it forward in 2012?

Aditi and I

It wasn't really random, but my very close friend Aditi let me live in her apartment for two months while I saved money to get my own. I had just come back from a whirlwind summer and had no place to live and no job. Thankfully I got the job and was only looking at one apartment in particular but had to get my monies in order. I'm glad I filled out the application and paid the application fee when I did because I took the last one bedroom in the complex! I love my apartment complex but it's like an exclusive club to get into. Who knows what would've happened if I didn't get in. Aside from that, I plan on doing many things for Aditi in 2012 just like she has for me because that's the type of relationship we have. xo

#WEverb11: Spend

2011-12-27T20:57:00.000-05:00

27. Spend
Where did your money go this year? Where do you want it to go in 2012?

My money went EVERYWHERE this year! Bills, loan payments, Spain, tickets, furniture...ugh! For 2012 I already know most of it will go towards more bills, furniture and traveling! It always seems that there's so much that I want to do, but never enough money for it. What can I say? I have expensive taste!

#WEverb11: Revive

2011-12-26T23:28:00.002-05:00

26. Revive

Share a favorite photo from the past year. What was happening behind the scenes? What were you thinking or feeling? What could you smell, taste, see, hear at that moment?

L to R: Myself, Andrew, Ashley and our teacher Alberto

I particularly love this picture because at this point of my life I was on the cusp of being thrusted into the real world but still had my "college student" mind frame. I had just graduated college and was going to Spain for an internship. I believe this was still within the first week of our arrival, when our Spanish professor Alberto told us that we could go on a tour of the Cruzcampo factory with the school.

Cruzcampo is Spain's national beer and owned by Heineken. I'm not much of a beer drinker (Guinness is the ONLY beer I drink) but I decided to go anyway because both Ashley and Andrew were going. We literally took a 30 minute tour of the factory and saw how the beer was made before embarking on a three hour (or maybe it was four...or five) open bar...with food!

This picture is the four of us still coherent before the drinks took over...well for me at least. I tried everything and was feeling quite nice before we boarded the bus to go back to the city. I love this picture simply because it represents a time where everything was still euphoric in my life and in Spain. A time before the many weeks of interning, looking for a job back home, tears, fears and everything else in between!

Great people, great beer, great food, great times!

#WEverb11: Celebrate

2011-12-25T21:48:00.000-05:00

25. Celebrate

What did you celebrate in 2011? Are you looking forward to any celebrations in 2012?

MERRY CHRISTMAS! For those who celebrate it, I hope you ate a lot of food and were able to spend time with your loved ones.

I celebrated many things this year. Graduating from college, the birth of my sister's first child, my birthday of course, my brother going to college, getting my first job out of college, getting my own apartment (by myself that is) and winning an award for my reporting. It's been a celebratory year, and in 2012 I'm looking forward to celebrating the two year anniversary of my blog, more birthdays and anything else that causes for celebration, but who knows what that may be?

#WEverb11: Control

2011-12-24T21:41:00.000-05:00

24. Control

What did you finally let go of in 2011? What will you let go of in 2012?

Ha! I have JUST now accepted the fact that I'm a control freak this year. So needless, to say I haven't let go of anything. I have absolutely no idea what I'll let go of in 2012, but I'm hoping it's something that makes me a better person.

#WEverb11: Grasp

2011-12-23T21:30:00.000-05:00

23. Grasp
Describe something that you actively engaged in learning to do this year.

I can't think of one thing I actively engaged in learning to do this year. I just remember how busy I was this entire year. I guess I could use journalism. I'm always learning something new with journalism and mass communications and that's how I plan to keep it for as long as I live.

#WEverb11: Accomplish

2011-12-22T21:17:00.000-05:00

22. Accomplish

What is one thing you want to do before you bid adieu to 2011? How will you make it happen?

I'd like to travel more around my city. Tampa has a lot to offer which I never see because I'm so wrapped up in my routine of work, dinner, sleep. I want to explore more. Also, I want to return to that extroverted Naomi I once was. One of my co workers described me as a closeted extrovert, and it's actually sad because I used to go up and start conversations with people, but now not so much. What better place to start than at work?

#WEverb11: Ripple

2011-12-21T21:06:00.000-05:00

21. Ripple

The butterfly effect posits that a small change can ripple across whole ecosystems. Who do you credit for the small action that made all the difference in your life this year?

A former friend who I ended my friendship with made all the difference in my life this year. It's amazing what can happen when negativity and bad relationships leave your life. Usually, people are sad when a friendship ends but trust me this was for the best. I'm able to get a full night's sleep with no interruptions (phone wise) which leaves me energized for work in the morning. I'm no longer consumed by someone else's problems and am able to concentrate more on my family and other friendships which I had neglected because of this one-sided relationship. A lot of positive things have been happening with family, employment and social life which I feel is a result of the end of this friendship. Thank goodness.

#WEverb11: Plug In/Unplug

2011-12-20T20:54:00.000-05:00

20. Plug In/Unplug
How has technology affected your life (positively or negatively) in 2011? Do you want this to continue for 2012?

I have a love hate relationship with technology. I'm fascinated by it, however at the same time I'm kind of disgusted by it. We have so much technology that we're essentially eliminating the need to do anything manually, which is an amazing yet pathetic trait within itself.

Anyone who knows me know that I'm not the most technologically savvy person. I'm the girl who recently threw away her CD player, and that's only because it was hanging on by a thread. I have never owned an iPod or mp3 player. I updated my phone to a Pantech Crux (with Internet!), not an iPhone or a Blackberry, in February because my last phone's battery life was non-existent.

I am appreciative of technology and it's ever changing ways, but part of me still wants to hold on to the antique typewriters and telephones, I did grow up in an 1800's house after all. I do plan on upping my technology game to an iPod or a Macbook one of these days. Just not anytime soon....but who knows what'll happen in 2012?

#WEverb11: Laugh

2011-12-19T00:26:00.000-05:00

19. Laugh
Tell us about your biggest belly laugh in 2011.

Janet. Working at my university's telemarketing center, things can get pretty monotone. The girls in my section were hilarious! Adriane, Naa Sika, Lauren, Luny, Sachy, Angenique and I always found someway to pass the time through jokes, stories or whatever else tickled our fancy.

One particular day, Adriane, Lauren and I were talking about unisex names before our shift. Adriane brought up her mother's name and said it could either be a man's or woman's name. What did I say to contribute to the conversation?

"My mom's name is Janet."

Lauren and Adriane both looked at each other.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Lauren asked.

To this day, I still have no idea why I said that. I think it was because Adriane was talking about her Mom, that it made me think of my Mom but it still had NOTHING to do with the conversation!

After Naa Sika and everyone else came in and found out, I was never able to live it down, our boss even got in on the Janet joke. It's a running joke we all have and for some reason it sounds funnier when one of them tells the story/joke instead of me! Don't worry my former coworkers, you'll get to meet Janet eventually!

Janet and I

#WEverb11: Teach

2011-12-18T13:23:00.001-05:00

18. Teach

What lesson or advice were you able to pass on to others this year? Why was it important to share this information? (Or… what lesson would you like to pass on to others that read this?)

Travel! That's the advice I was able to give to others this year. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I LOVE travel and any time someone even has an the inkling of traveling, I give him or her all the reasons they should. Once he or she decides to act upon it, I give them tips for traveling, what to wear, any type of question they have I answer. Travel changes your life in the most incredible ways and I want everyone to know about it!

#WEverb11: Discover

2011-12-17T20:35:00.000-05:00

17. Discover

What did you discover (big or small) in 2011?

This year I really discovered who my true friends are. After losing friends and making friends this year, I now know who is there in my corner. Besides my family, I have three of the best friends anyone could ever ask for. They don't know each other, but they all have been there for me through my darkest days and vice versa. Getting rid of the dead weight in my life, made it so much easier to "see the light" in my current friendships with these beautiful three people.

Coincidence or Fate?

2011-12-16T21:06:00.001-05:00

I based this blog off of my being a Kansan girl and the experiences I've had living in Florida and traveling abroad. I've talked about the "racism" I've encountered with my own race, the stares I've received for simply being Black and the lame jokes people tell me after discovering my home state.

My babies Daisy (yellow) and Storm

Let me tell you, it's not easy being from Kansas and living in Florida. It's especially not easy when you have a Kansas license plate, a Kansas phone number and am Black. Throw two pet parakeets (apparently they're an uncommon pet to have?) into the mix and you have a bonafide reason to feel like you're all alone in the sunshine state.

Then something happened.

When I moved into my current apartment complex I noticed a familiar looking license plate on a white car. It took me a moment to realize that the blue and white license plate came from the SAME state of mine. Yes, another person from Kansas lives in my apartment complex.

I immediately did what any sane person would do and left a note on the Kansas licensed plate car stating that I too was from Kansas. A few days later I came home to find a note stuck in my door from a girl named Jessica who was saying "hi" back. How sweet.

Fast forward a few weeks later when I'm on my way to work, I see the Kansas car driving next to me. I want to get Jessica's attention but then realize, she will have no idea who I am. After work, I leave another note on her door explaining the car situation and leave my number. A few weeks pass and after understanding that she'd probably think I'm a psycho for leaving her all these notes, I forget about it.

Jessica and I at Coldstone

One night while I was coincidentally on the phone with one of my best friends Vanessa, another Black girl from Kansas, I receive a call from a 316 number. It turns out to be Jessica and we have a nice chat about how different Florida is from Kansas (especially with the seasons), the reactions we receive when people find out where we're from and our love hate relationship with our home state. Oh, it's such a relief to have someone to talk to who understands what I go through.

We both graduated in 2007 and have lived in Florida the same amount of time and rarely go back home. I invited her out for ice cream on Wednesday and when she stopped by my apartment she was shocked that I have parakeets, because lo and behold, she has one as well.

Alex and I go wayyy back

Creepy right? Well at least now I can go to someone if and when I have to leave my birds for an extended amount of time and vice versa! This hasn't been the first time I've encountered someone with eery similarities to my life and or family. I have Janelle and Briana my sisters from another mister, Alex who is the White version of me and of course Emily whom I didn't meet until college but discovered that we were both in the same kindergarten class and there are many others!

Have you ever met someone exactly like you? Eery or fate?

#WEverb11: Surprise and Persevere

2011-12-16T21:05:00.001-05:00

15. Surprise
What event of 2011 affected you in an unexpected way?

Nothing. Looking back, nothing surprised me or affected me. I had a set plan for my life in 2011 and that was graduate, go to Spain, move back to Tampa and find a job. I've done all of that so there's really no surprise! I'm such a planner that nothing can really surprise me which is kind of sad....hmmm....

16. Persevere

Describe something that disappointed you in 2011 and how you persevered.

I'm currently in a situation where I'm trying to persevere and it's difficult but I'm sticking with it until I can find receive some guidance from my mentor on what to do. We'll see where 2012 leads with this situation but that's all I'll say about it for now.

#WEverb11: Breathe

2011-12-14T23:14:00.002-05:00

14. Breathe

How did you make space + peace for yourself in 2011?

The answer to that would be I didn't. This entire year I've basically been running on fumes, not making any time to myself. The first part of the year, from January to May, I was killing myself trying to finish up my last semester of college. Also, I had a job during that time and was interning, so I definitely couldn't make space or peace for myself without missing out on something. Then over the summer I was interning in Spain in a house with six international students and a loving yet dysfunctional family of four. The second half of the summer I was in Philadelphia for a journalism conference running around like a chicken with my head cut off covering elections trying to make deadline. Then I finally moved back to Tampa and was immediately in search of a job, which I thankfully got the next week after my return and since then I've been working non stop. So in terms of peace and space? It's been non existent but hopefully for 2012 I can make some time for myself!

#WEverb11: Read

2011-12-13T22:09:00.001-05:00

13. Read
What article or book changed your outlook on an issue or life?

The Awakening by Kate Chopin was the book that changed how I viewed myself as a woman and the struggles we went through and still go through. It was very empowering yet saddening at the same time. In reality I read this for a book report my senior year in high school but ended up being so moved by it and Chopin it quickly became one of my all time favorite books. Chopin is definitely my favorite author and I love all of her work. Native Son by Richard Wright and The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka are right behind this book. They changed my life for the better. It's amazing to know that someone's words can have that much power of you. I only hope I can do half of that.

#WEverb11: Thrive

2011-12-12T20:55:00.001-05:00

12. Thrive
What was your healthiest habit of 2011? What would you like to change or do differently in 2012?

Even though I recently started this within the last two months, making my own food has been the healthiest habit of 2011. It's easy to come home and be lazy and stick a frozen dinner in the microwave, but I've made it a point to STOP buying frozen dinners and buying foods that I HAVE to make. You know what parents say, "there's food in there...you just have to make it." So now that I have been making food (which has been healthy) I need to incorporate working out or some type of activity into the mix for 2012!

#WEverb11:Try

2011-12-11T11:29:00.001-05:00

11. Try
What 12 new things do you want to do/accomplish in 2012?

Read one book a month. It may seem like a small number to you, but I'm lucky if I finish a book every three months. This is SO sad considering I used to read ALL the time. I mean you know how much I love books. Now it's more a matter of finding the time to read them!
Following from that, join a book club! In the fourth grade I was part of "Chat n' Chew" and I loved every moment of it. The group consisted of five other students and the teacher's aide and we'd take our lunches back to the classroom and sit and talk about the book we read. How great is it to not be looked at as crazy for taking such a deep liking to Sarah the quiet supporting character?
Entertain! One of my friends Ashley always has little get togethers at her place and I envy her! She always provides food, drinks, conversation and a good time. I always fear that if I host something no one will come!
Keep myself well-groomed regularly. I keep my hair and eyebrows done, but I pay no attention to anything else. I've never been too big on manicures, pedicures or waxing...as long as everything is moisturized and trimmed that's enough for me, but I want to change that!
Grow in Christ, because I've become so complacent with my faith lately and it's horrible! I need that hunger that I used to have when I first devoted my life to the Lord. Prayer, church, missions trips....I miss all of that.
Freelance, freelance and freelance some more. Working at a PR firm is great, but I really miss deadlines, uncooperative source and bylines. I've been a journalist since I was 16 and for some reason I'm nervous to freelance! It's time to get over that fear.
Buenos Aires! I'm hoping to vacation there in April, and even if I'm not able to go in that month, I do want to go before the end of 2012.
Become more involved with the organizations I'm apart of. Sure relaxing on the weekends is nice, but being social is even nicer!
Do something completely out of character and spontaneous. Sometimes I feel like I'm in this box of what people expect me to be and I think breaking out of it would make some sort of statement.
Do more active things like yoga or zumba or something! However, I would have to join a gym for that....and actually buy a pair of tennis shoes and some work out clothes...one step at a time I guess, but that's definitely something I want to do!
Take weekend trips somewhere whether it's by myself or with a friend. I would love to go to Sarasota or Lakeland just to explore.
Scrap book all of my pictures....and I do mean ALL.

What are some of the things you want to accomplish in 2012?

P.S. I just discovered this lovely song Yellow Halo by Goldfrapp yesterday. They released the video last week and I cannot stop listening to it! Enjoy!

Reflecting on 2011

2011-12-10T21:29:00.001-05:00

Every writer or blogger goes through some type of writing slump (some more than others) and thankfully people have created these magnificent boosts to propel us back into writing. I recently discovered #weverb11 via Twitter and decided to give it a try! It's more of a reflection of the year, and I have some catching up to do, but I think it'd be nice to give a LITTLE insight into my life besides travel!

Here's the description of #weverb11 from their website.

#WEverb11 is a set of 31 prompts meant to encourage reflection on the past year (2011) and look forward to the coming year (2012).
You are encouraged to address the prompts in any way that you want (blog about them, take photos, tweet, etc.) and come back here to share your answers and links to those responses. This experience is up to you to design: you can answer one prompt, a few that you select, or all of them!

Of course I want to try all of them! So here are the first few prompts

1. Select one word.
Encapsulate the year 2011 in one word. Explain why. Imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2012 for you?

Triumph. I've accomplished many things this year that I'm proud of. Graduation. Spain. Journalism awards. First job. 2011 was the year of triumph. 2012 will be the year of growth, in every aspect of my life.

2. Listen

What song did you listen to in 2011 to completely change your mood? Think about ways you can you add more music to your life in 2012.

"We Found Love" by Rihanna. Even though it came out recently, it's picked me up more than any other song has this entire year.

3. Learn
What lesson did you learn in 2011 from “The School of Life” rather than a classroom?

People are in your life for a season for a particular reason whether it's bad or good. It may hurt or it may be the best thing you've ever discovered, but it definitely changes your life and helps to you to understand who you are.

4. Haiku

Sum up your year, via haiku.

All I need in life
Is God, family, friends and some wine
To keep me fully sane (it's horrible but deal poems/haikus were never my strength!)

5. Befriend
Did you meet any new friends this year? How did they impact your 2011?

Ashley and I reunited in Tampa
Ashley, a friend I met while in Spain is absolutely darling. Her personality and how caring and giving of a person she is, made me realize how selfish I was, especially since she's an only child and I have siblings! Also, Kendra, whom I met recently inadvertently helped rekindle my relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ which is something I needed. Thanks girls!

6. Favor

What was your favorite month of 2011? Why did it beat out all 11 other months?

May. I weeded out all of the unnecessary people in my life, graduated, traveled back to Kansas to see my brother graduate and have the entire family together again and move to Spain. It has all the other months beat by a LONG shot!

7. Travel

Where did you travel this year? What was your favorite part? If you didn’t get to travel, where do you want to go next year?

Spain. Philadelphia. Kansas. Gainesville (Florida). Atlanta. Morocco. Honestly, I don't have a favorite because they all had a different yet profound impact on my life in 2011 even if it was just seeing family.

8. Choose
What was the biggest choice you made in 2011? What caused you to choose what you chose?

To accept that I am a control freak and actually try to work on it! Trust me, it's necessary that I work on it.

9. Appreciate

In which moment did you find yourself flooded with gratitude? How will you rally around gratitude in 2012?

When I received praise for my articles which I doubted, my last internship throwing a "fiesta" for me to get to Spain. My dear friend, Aditi letting me stay at her apartment for two months while I looked for a job. I'm grateful for everything that I have and everyone in my life, but these particular moments in 2011 are the ones I'm extremely grateful for. 2012 bring it!

10. Create

Share a creative project you undertook this year (art, writing, DIY, cooking, home decoration, crafts, photography … whatever comes to mind). How do you use your creativity to express yourself?

Scrap booking. It's so therapeutic and allows me to be as creative or as dull as I want. I express myself through the little notes I write to the sides of the pictures or through the stickers I have. I can't wait to get started on the rest of my pictures!

Look out for the rest throughout the month!

Scratching that Travel Itch!

2011-12-02T15:37:00.001-05:00

Ugh.

I've been bitten by the travel bug and let me tell you, he got me good!

I have such a severe travel itch right now. Seriously, I am dying to travel somewhere. It doesn't help to read about the history of Greece or see the models travel to New Zealand (I'm talking to you America's Next Top Model) because it only fuels my desire to scratch this itch THAT much more.

In front of Newgrange in Ireland. Oh how I miss thee!

If it were up to me, and if I didn't have a job, I would pack up, use my frequent flier miles and go somewhere right now.

There are plenty of place to visit in Florida that I haven't visited yet, but I'm longing to deal with the airport terminals, the long flights, the butterflies in the stomach and general sense of unknowing when you reach your destination abroad.

For now I'm quelling my travel itch with scrap booking my previous trips. Not only is it therapeutic, but it brings back millions of memories and brings out my creative side. It's either that or turn on listen to the music from the countries I visited. However, I will say that reading A Year in the World by Frances Mayes makes me feel all the better, because I can vividly see the countries she's talking about.

Adios folks! I'm going to scratch my travel itch! What do you do to satiate your appetite for traveling?

In the Alcazar in Seville!

Autumn in Georgia

2011-11-26T14:10:00.001-05:00

Autumn is my favorite season, November is my favorite month and Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. So it's great that I have been able to spend this time in Georgia with my mother! Alas, I shall depart early tomorrow morning (I'm not trying to think of the traffic) but I'll be back next month for Christmas!

Thanksgiving dinner!

View from the patio

Until we meet again....

A Common Occurrence

2011-11-25T00:36:00.000-05:00

I'm from Kansas.

I'm Black.

Apparently, these two things don't go together.

At least once a week while filling up on gas, some genius makes a comment about my license plate. They usually go something like this:

"Oh well, you're a long way from home"
"Did you lose your red shoes on the way here?"
"Is Toto in the backseat?"

Ha. So very funny...as if I haven't heard it a million times before.

courtesy of kshs.org

However, my favorite reaction (whether they find out I'm from Kansas by my tags or not) is "THERE'S BLACK PEOPLE IN KANSAS!?"

Yes.

In fact Kansas City has a somewhat decent sized African-American population....you just have to know where to go! I can say that when California rapper, Mac Dre was shot and killed in Kansas City I don't think it was by a farmer.

Black people are everywhere, including and not limited to: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and of course, Kansas.

Honestly, not everything about Kansas is farms and cows and plains. I mean it's not the next New York or Florida, but it's...somewhat decent. Trust me, I know.

Just as people in other countries stared at me because of my skin tone, it amazes me that people IN MY OWN COUNTRY stare at me like I have three heads for being a Black girl that calls Kansas her home. Sheesh.

Maybe I do have two extra heads that I don't know about....

Report From Anywhere!

2011-11-03T13:36:00.001-04:00

After attending an international reporting seminar over the summer with the National Association of Black Journalists, I learned the importance of taking crucial items with you on any trip. As a journalist, you never know when or where a story will happen so it's always great to be prepared.

One of my mentors Demorris Lee of the St. Petersburg Times said that he keeps a laptop, a camera and a voice recorder in the trunk of his car at all times. Smart move.

For international reporting, it's best to keep the same things on you as well. One of the speakers at the seminar said when she travels (whether it's for work or leisure) she takes her laptop, voice recorder, camera, video camera and notepad in her carry on. Again, smart move.

courtesy of briansteffen.net

It may sound like a lot to carry around, but luckily, my Dad gave me his laptop/briefcase carrier. I can fit everything in it (including my AP Stylebook and a leisure book) and slug it on my shoulder and I'm ready to take over the world!

Once you have your story and photographs and speak with your editor all you have to do is find a place with WIFI and send it off!

That seminar really opened my eyes. Now, instead of lugging around my book bag with a change of clothes and my purse with my money in it, I can put all of it safely into my laptop carrier (it's actually quite spacious) and only worry about my suitcase.

The fact that I learned to bring the essentials when traveling AND eliminate all the extra thematics that I usually carry with me when I travel, only makes me love reporting that much more. I have such an urge to board a plane and go to China and report on whatever, simply because I'm well prepared now!

For now I'll start slow and test it out when I go to Buenos Aires!

I'm an Old-Fashioned Kinda Girl

2011-10-29T17:20:00.003-04:00

I'm in Gainesville for the weekend and while I have been domesticating myself with doing housework and cooking, I realized I'm really an old-fashioned type of girl.

I'm all for feminism and women who believe that not having children or being married is a sign of success, but I'm not a fan of putting down other women who choose to be stay-at-home mothers. That's a full-time job within itself!

Anyway, that's not the topic of this blog post. I may be old-fashioned when it comes to some issues, but when it comes to technology and bathrooms I stay stuck in the 1700's.

Yes, my main goal in life is to own an antique typewriter. I've engrained it into my mind that the only way I can validate myself as a writer is to own a typewriter. I mean, that's the essence of journalism and writing right?


courtesy of everytype.com

As far as bathrooms go, I was raised in historical houses all my life. When I lived in Kansas, we had a claw bathtub! Oh how I wish we could've taken it with us when my Dad retired.

I saw this bathtub last year when I was in Tarpon Springs for an arts festival. I would have jumped in but it had some disgusting water in it. The graffiti on it was beautiful to me though!

Gorgeous isn't it?

Break of Dawn Review

2011-10-24T17:39:00.002-04:00

Today, Goapele released her third album, Break of Dawn after a five year hiatus. I've been a fan of her since Closer and always support her music because I think she is disgustingly underrated. However, maybe it's not so bad, so that she remains a sweet secret to her loyal fans and continues to make music.

I haven't been able to buy the album yet since I've been at work all day, but thanks to AOL music, I was able to listen to the entire CD. Trust me, it made the work day go a lot smoother.

courtesy of goapele.com

*Play- Right off the bat, the listener is introduced to a sultry sexy song about "playing around." The third single off Break of Dawn introduces a more mature Goapele who sings about what she wants to do when it comes to intimate moments in a subtle way.

Tears on my Pillow- A soulful song that sounds like it could be from the 1990's about a failed relationship. This has been a huge fan favorite so far.

*Undertow- This is one of my favorites. It's a very "chill" song in my opinion. It's not too heavy, not too light. Personally, I feel like I can close my eyes while listeningto this song and be taken to another world.

Break of Dawn- Wonderful song about staying strong, finding your independence and moving on from all of the negative situations in your life.

Hush- A sweet song to her daughter about how everything she is doing is for her. It has a light lullaby melody to it and is no doubt a song that she probably sings around the house to her little girl. I'm sure when she is older, she'll appreciate the message her mother sent to her through this song.

Money- Another soulful song with an electronic spin on it. Goapele has always had songs with

deep meanings and this is one ofthem. It has the message of “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” by Jennifer Lopez. Sure,money is great, but it doesn’t replace intimacy and she definitely gets that acrossthrough this song.

*Pieces- Another favorite! It’s alighter song about “falling into pieces” in love and how consumed we can be inlove that we get lost in its galaxy. Her voice sounds extremely angelic in thissong.

Right Here- An upbeat track abouther undying love to her man. She doesn’t want to be anywhere that’s not with herman. In other words, she’s a ride or die chick.

*Milk and Honey- Her first singleoff of her album. It was released back in the summer of 2009 and it always hada hold on me. This was the first song that I knew my dear Goapele was growingup in front of my very eyes and talking about what she wants as a woman. She’sdefinitely on her grown status now!

Unfortunately, AOL music didn't have Cupcake on its site so I can't offer a review for it! However, I will say this: THIS IS HOW YOU TRANSITION INTO A MORE ADULT THEMED ALBUM.

After five years, Goapele has experienced a number of different life changing events, and while her first two albums were wonderful and filled with songs about love and socioeconomic problems, this album puts her in a completely different light.

She's showing her growth on this album and I like how she did it. She didn't go from innocent singer to raunchy singer in the course of one album and I think her fans will definitely appreciate it. I know I do!

Muammar Gaddafi is dead

2011-10-20T16:29:00.002-04:00

courtesy of topnews.in

According to news reports, Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi has died of wounds inflicted by NATO forces in his hometown of Sirte, Libya. He was 69.

The long reign of terror from Gaddafi has finally come to an end and now Libya is looking to the future.

Gaddafi's reign lasted for 41 years, making him the longest-running Arab leader as well as the longest-running non-royal leader.

He came to power in 1969 after seizing power in a military coup. He abolished the Libyan constitution and imposed social laws based on his ideologies.

In February 2011, Libyan people began to protest the Gaddafi government, to which Gaddafi responded by killing men women and children.

Gadaffi was referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) by the UN for crimes against humanity and in June of 2011, the ICC issued warrants for his and his family's arrest. NATO forces took control of Tripoli and threw Gaddafi out of power.

Gaddafi fled to his hometown of Sirte where rebel forces protected him until early this morning.

He was captured trying to flee in a convoy which NATO warplanes attacked. According to National Transitional Council official Abdel Majid Mlegta, Gadaffi was shot in both legs and shot in the head.

A soldier who claimed he personally captured Gaddafi said his last words were, "Don't shoot! Don't shoot!" upon being discovered in a hole in District 2 in Sirte.

*Sources include Reuters

Phew!

2011-10-17T18:01:00.001-04:00

What a weekend it has been!

I just moved all of my stuff out of storage and out of my dear friend's apartment into my cozy one bedroom apartment and let me tell you, pooped is not even the word to describe how I feel right now.

Basically I'm starting from scratch again right now. No cable, no Internet, no furniture, just mounds upon mounds of clothing, books, DVD's, photo albums and other stuff.

It always amazes me how much stuff one girl can accumulate in four years in a furnished apartment. To say that I need furniture is the least of my worries. For now I'm trying to sort out what I'm going to do with all of my STUFF!

I'll be on here as much as I can since I have to go to the leasing office to use their Wi-Fi, but since the office is closed I'm sitting poolside using it until it gets dark. It may sound nice, to sit poolside and soak up the rays, but trust me, it's quite the opposite.

I'll upload pictures of my crazy apartment later, but on the upside of things, I did get my bookshelf and all of my books up and ready! I mean, that's the most important thing right?

October

2011-10-12T23:39:00.001-04:00

For as long as I can remember, October has always been my favorite month.

I guess it's mainly because I feel that it's the official start of autumn. I am quite aware that autumn officially started in September, but doesn't it feel more fitting to begin in October?

In elementary school every time the teacher flipped to the month of October its decorations were filled with pumpkins, rust colored leaves and naked trees. Back in Kansas, the wind got nippier and the turtlenecks and boots were brought out from storage and a slew of kids messed up their parents perfectly raked leaf piles.

Oh how I miss October in Kansas!

Kansas in October. Lovely isn't it?

Living in Florida, you really don't get the full affect of autumn except for the weather changing from deathly humidly hot to a cooler humidly hot.

However, while I may be missing the true season of autumn that so many other people get to enjoy, my favorite month is giving me plenty of perks while I sweat to death down here.

New Nicholas Sparks book! The Best of Me came out yesterday and I can't wait to go get my copy!
New Goapele album Break of Dawn hits stores at the end of the month.
I move into my new apartment on Friday.
Pumpkin flavored EVERYTHING. Coffee, pie, beer, cake. Heaven.

Roll all four of those things together and what do you get?

An extremely fat, well-read, satisfied and more importantly happy Naomi in her cozy decorate apartment. Doesn't sound to bad if you ask me!

My ABC's of Travel!

2011-10-09T00:13:00.000-04:00

I've been in a writing slump this past week and I hate it. So I found a prompt that would help bring me out of it! I got this challenge from Cat over at Sunshine and Siestas and I thought it'd be the perfect way to jump start me back into blogging!

A: Age you went on your first international trip:
The tender age of 15! I thought this was a perfect age to start traveling because I was young enough to still be naive but mature enough to truly grasp the essence of what I was experiencing

via ratebeer.com

B: Best (foreign) beer you’ve had and where:
Mahou Mixta Shandy. I'm not a beer drinker (except for Guinness) but Mahou Mixta Shandy is my absolute favorite! I tried it for one Euro on a whim in Spain and fell in love with it. Oh if only it was sold in the States!

C: Cuisine (favorite):
I don't discriminate against any type of cuisine so the one I'm about to choose should be taken lightly! I'd have to say authentic Shepard's pie from Ireland. It really is more like a comfort food to me. I'm not a picky eater and am always willing to try new food, but Shepard's pie always does it!

D: Destinations, favorite, least favorite and why:
Least favorite: Limerick, Ireland. There really wasn't much to do in the city itself. Granted the people were friendly, I felt as though I was back in my hometown in Kansas, bored with nothing to do.

Favorite: Florence, Italy! That will forever be my favorite place. I loved the history and the sights and the food and the people....EVERYTHING. Plus it also helps that I was well received there simply because of my skin tone! The city has such a relaxing feel to it, but also is busy to keep you entertained. I definitely want to go back

E: Event you experienced abroad that made you say “wow”:
The London bombings of 2005.

F: Favorite mode of transportation:
Taxi. You can learn a LOT of valuable information by just conversing with your cab driver. Even after visiting Morocco I learned SO much more about the country when I had to take a taxi from my hotel to the Philadelphia airport after finding out my driver was Moroccan.

G: Greatest feeling while traveling:
Being outside of yourself and actually realizing that YOU ARE THE FOREIGNER. There's no greater feeling than that to me and the experiences that happen to you after you realize that only makes your time abroad more exciting.

Our dear Chef Collum trying to scowl at us

H: Hottest place you’ve traveled to:
Spain. No questions asked.

I: Incredible service you’ve experienced and where:
While it would be easy to simply say America because of how the service (I'm talking food) differs in other countries, I'm going to go out on a limb and say Chef Collum in London. Although he served us in the cafeteria of Ramsay Hall, that was the BEST service ever. He was friendly, sweet and just an all around good guy with a sunny disposition on life even at 7 a.m. It definitely made breakfast and lunch 10x better.

J: Journey that took the longest:
Traveling from Kansas to Florida. That was about a 20 hour road trip in which I did most of the driving. However as a passenger, traveling from Kansas to Mexico on a bus with 20+ people....that was brutal!

K: Keepsake from your travels:
Key chains (even though they ALWAYS break), currency, postcards and of course newspapers!

L: Let-down sight, why and where:
El Hospital de la Caridad in Seville. It was gorgeous, but I was quite disappointed in the tour and the hospital/church itself. I thought it would be huge for some reason and was expecting to walk around and admire all the history behind it, but it was small and empty and lacked that "oompf" that I needed to satiate my appetite. Womp womp.

M: Moment where you fell in love with travel:
Walking home in the rain on the streets of London after seeing the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. I was freezing, my skirt was soaked and I had fallen behind from the group. I took off the hood of my rainproof jacket and just let myself get completely drenched in the "London raindrops." As I looked up into the midnight sky, I knew that travel was more than just an opportunity....it was a feeling that had completely consumed me, and I loved every minute of it.

N: Nicest hotel you’ve stayed in:
All of my hotels have been pretty average to say the least, but the nicest hotel I'd ever visited was Hotel Fontecruz. It was modern, chic, stylish, a cut above the rest. I really wish I would've gotten to stay there for at least a night!

O: Obsession—what are you obsessed with taking pictures of while traveling?:
Views of the city. I have to do it in any country that I visit, and for some odd reason, I always take pictures of each hotel room I stay in.

View of Cadiz, Spain

P: Passport stamps, how many and from where?
Not enough! I've only been to seven countries so my passport is scarce in stamps but I'm working on it!

Q: Quirkiest attraction you’ve visited and where:

Dixie Stampede in good ol' Branson, Missouri. If you haven't experienced that then I suggest you GO NOW. It is definitely something!

R: Recommended sight, event or experience:
Aaaaah there are so many! I can't even narrow it down to just one. One would definitely be the Tate Modern Museum in London. I LIVE for that museum! If you're not into museums there's always the Feria de Abril in Seville, Spain! Unfortunately, I arrived just after it ended, but I've heard nothing but good things about it and got a taste of what it's like from my host family. Those are only a few of the many many I would recommend but I guess it depends on where you're going!

S: Splurge; something you have no problem forking over money for while traveling:
BOOKS. Period. Let me tell you, I can easily blow through a paycheck just on books. However, when I'm in another country and can get books in other languages (with the hopes of learning the language eventually), I go crazy! Why else would I be planning a trip to Buenos Aires?

T: Touristy thing you’ve done:
Double-decker bus tour around any city. I mean how much more touristy can you get?

U: Unforgettable travel memory:
Probably getting chased around Seville by a 30-year-old African man. Yeah, nothing tops that.

V: Visas, how many and for where? :
None unfortunately but I'm hoping that will change soon...

W: Wine, best glass of wine while traveling and where?:
Does tinto de verano (Spain) count as wine?

X: eXcellent view and from where?:
The top of Il Duomo in Florence. That is by far my FAVORITE view. The climb itself was a journey but seeing the burgundies, marigolds and mahoganies of the city was simply magnificent.

Y: Years spent traveling?:
Seven glorious years and I know there's many more to come!

Z: Zealous sports fans and where?
Italy from what I've seen thus far!

So now I challenge Oneika Terri and Deidre from my three favorite blogs. Have fun!

Body and Soul

2011-09-27T20:21:00.000-04:00

Just thought I'd share this wonderful duet from Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse.

It was the last published song to feature Winehouse's timeless voice. I think she sounds divine in it, especially considering the fact that the public really hadn't heard anything from her since Back to Black.

Enjoy!

Where's Naomi? Oh, She's Sleeping...Again

2011-09-25T21:29:00.004-04:00

Pillow made out of backpacks and I'm out for the count in the Frankfurt airport

Thanks to an article on stumbleupon.com, I've discovered what type of traveler I am. Now this article, "Seven Types of Travellers You See in the Airport," may only apply to the designated location, but it applies to all aspects of my life when I travel. Here's the description of a sleepy traveler:

The Sleepy Traveller
There is nothing more amazing than watching the skill of sleeping people in airports. It doesn’t matter the time of day you’ll always find people defying the confines of bench armrests to sprawl out for a nap. Travel puts nearly every one’s sleep schedule on its head, and there are just some people that decide not to fight it. The sleep doesn’t stop for these guys when they get on the plane either, they’ll be passed out with the chair back before the plane’s shoes even get off the ground. If you’ve ever woken up spooning your carry-on luggage than you are a Sleepy Traveller.

Anytime I travel, it's inevitable, I always end up sleeping somewhere besides my bed. I literally could take a 15 minute taxi ride and fall asleep.

En route by bus to.....oh who knows!

Oh and it doesn't matter what mode of transportation I take either. Bus, plane, boat, train, camel, I'll sleep the ENTIRE way until we reach our destination.

I may never know the reason why I fall asleep as soon as a motor revs up, but as a consolation, I always feel much energized afterwards and that makes for a good time right?

On a bus on our way to the ferry dock that will take us to Inishmore in Ireland

On the ferry sleeping on our way to Inishmore in Ireland

Enter to win an authentic Guatemalan handbag!

2011-09-22T11:42:00.000-04:00

My traveling friend (in my head) Oneika is currently in Guatemala taking Spanish classes and wants to give away a GORGEOUS handbag! It's bright and fun just like she is!

courtesy of oneikathetraveller.blogspot.com

To win the bag, all you need to do is follow her and comment saying that you want to participate in the giveaway. For extra entries, tweet about the contest and/or make a blog post about it.

As you can see, I clearly want that bag! So go on over to her site and check it out! The contest ends September 26 and 11:59 p.m. EST. Click here for more details.

My 7 Traveling Truths!

2011-09-17T18:45:00.000-04:00

I was casually browsing through a favorite travel blogger's site the other day when I came across a post about your seven traveling truths. Basically, you share seven things that you like, don't like, must do, don't do and I thought it'd be fun to share my truths! So here we go....

A few of my truths...

I really don't party much in different countries.
It's just not my style. Of course I get asked to go out and paint the town red, but something about going out in another country just makes me uneasy. Don't ask why because I can't explain it!

I have to go to a high point and take pictures of the city I'm in

Always. In all my trips to different countries (except Mexico and surprisingly Spain) I have to take a picture! I like aerial views of cities. It makes me feel powerful when I climb up those never ending steps and reach the tip top of whatever monument in whatever city and feel the wind blowing through my hair. It's the best feeling in the world...and the pictures are pretty great too.

London babyyyy

I'm flexible for anything as long as I'm prepared
Don't ask me to go with you to another country and not tell me what it's like because I like being prepared for it. I'm not an impulsive person, but once I know the details I'm down! Oh and when I say I'm down....schedules can be thrown out the window because if I have to have a set time to do something, I become a control freak....and trust me, that's not pretty.

Day trips
I love, love, love day trips! If you're in a country for an extended period of time (oh heck even 10 days) it can get kind of stagnant. Day trips are like breath mints, weird analogy I know, but every now and then you need that refresher because lets face it, being in the same city for a long time can start to wear on you. After you have that day trip, you can go back to your main spot and enjoy it....until you need another breath mint.

Just chilling on our day trip to Assisi, Italy

New foods
As long as I have my Lactaid pills with me, lay it on me! I LOVE trying new foods, mainly because I'm not allergic to anything and even if I have a bad reaction to foods, what's a night spent in the bathroom? Right?

Moroccan food? Piece of cake!

Museums
I'm a museum freak. Words can't even explain how much I love museums, so anywhere I go, I HAVE to go to a museum. It doesn't even matter type of museum it is, I'm happy either way!

I'm a dressy traveler
Literally. I mainly wear dresses and skirts when I travel. I much prefer the breeziness of a dress or skirt. Even though I've worn jeans abroad, 95 percent of the time you'll see me in a dress. The mere thought of jeans make me itch for some reason.

Dresses and museums...it's the best of both worlds!

There you have it! What are some of your traveling truths?

9/11

2011-09-11T14:37:00.004-04:00

10 years ago, on September 11, 2001 the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked in acts of terrorism.

courtesy of barenakedislam.wordpress.com

I will never understand the sheer terror felt by the victims in flights 93, 11, 175 and 77 or in the World Trade Center as they witnessed the planes coming their way.

I will never understand the hatred and evilness of the hijackers who's main goal was to destroy the heart and soul of America.

I will never understand the fear and helplessness New Yorkers felt as they ran to safety knowing that was all they could do to save themselves.

I will never forget the strength and unity shown by citizens of America everywhere days after the attacks.

I will never forget the brave men and women who died fighting for our freedom overseas.

I will never forget.

courtesy of noodleprincess.com

Does Soulja Boy Need Attention?

2011-09-06T18:37:00.000-04:00

Rapper Soulja Boy courtesy of musicrooms.net

Over the weekend, rapper Soulja Boy caught major of heat from both the media and the public for his song Lets Be Real. It includes the following verse:

“F**k the FBI and f**k all the army troops… fighting for what? B**h be your own man… I’ll be flying through the clouds with green like I’m Peter Pan.”

Yes, a song dissing the military only a week before the 10 year anniversary of September 11.

As expected, military veterans, families and the general public alike all came out in protest to this song saying that it was offensive to the troops who protect our country.

Soulja Boy quickly issued an apology letter on GlobalGrind.com, stating that he didn't mean for his words to come out as they sounded and that he was merely frustrated:

I Am Deeply Sorry To All Members Of The United States Military Services And Their Families.”

As an artist, I let my words get the best of me. Sometimes there are things that we feel, things that we want to express, and when we put them on paper and speak them out loud, they can come out wrong.

When I expressed my frustration with the US Army, not only did my words come out wrong, I was wrong to even speak them. So, I write this to give my sincerest apology to all members of the United States military services, as well as their families that were offended by my most recent lyrics.

As a young man who grew up in the post-9/11 era, I have watched our country fight two wars that seem like they are never going to end.

I have seen thousands and thousands of our brave men and women get killed in battle and often times, I think for what? A lot of people in this country are struggling to make ends meet and I think a lot about what if we had never gone to war.

Where would our economy be? Our schools, our after-school and work programs, our streets? I mean, damn, 48 people got shot in New York City just this past weekend … in 3 days … I’m not saying that it is just because of a bad economy, but at a certain point we have to take care of our own people.

In no way would I ever want to offend those who are protecting our freedoms … a lot of homeboys who I grew up with, a lot of people who come from the neighborhoods we live in … In no way do I want to hurt any of our honorable soldiers who put their lives at risk, regardless of how they feel about the two wars we fight in.

I am just frustrated that we haven’t been able to bring you all home quick enough and my frustration got the best of me. I am deeply sorry.
~Soulja Boy

Now, for someone who hasn't had a single as successful as Crank Dat (Soulja Boy), was this entire situation merely to gain publicity for himself or was it something else?

Soulja Boy, real name DeAndre Cortez Way, has been slammed by news outlets and military veterans since the song hit the Internet. However, since his apology, on his Twitter (@souljaboy), he has retweeted nearly every news outlets' reference to his apology letter along with celebrities and fans who either agree with his apology or agree with his verse in the song.

Interesting.....

Featured Post!

2011-09-05T21:07:00.004-04:00

I can't believe I forgot to share this with you! Last week, I was featured on Black Women Living Well as a part of their Black Women in the Global Village, which is an exclusive feature to the website. It focuses on everyday black women around the world and their views on different topics like travel, health, relationships, careers etc.

Of course I was asked about travel! Here's a sneak peek of what my post was about below:

Naomi on her 21st birthday in Dingle, Ireland

Writer Naomi Prioleau, a Journalism major and graduate of The University of South Florida, shares her thoughts on the importance of black women living well through travel in this edition of Black Women in the Global Village.

How did you get interested in traveling?

Travel chose me. I believe that our passion chooses us no matter what age we are. There was never a particular moment in my life where I decided that I wanted to travel. It just happened; I saw a chance to travel abroad for my first love, writing. I fell in love with the culture shock, the uncomfortable plane rides, the different foods and everything else in between.

To read the rest, click here.

A letter to my 18-year-old self

2011-09-04T19:03:00.002-04:00

18 and ready for anything

I recently turned 22 and instead of celebrating, I used my birthday as a time to reflect on how far I've come and what I've accomplished, which is something I rarely do. At 22, I'm a college graduate, well-traveled, have a job in my field and have wonderful people in my life. When I was 18, I don't know where my head was half the time. I'm a completely different person now than I was at 18 and if I could travel back in time, I'd give myself this letter.

Dear 18-year-old me,

You still starry-eyed after moving from Kansas to Florida. You really think you've hit it big in this small college town in Florida and that's okay, but just try not to be too naive to things.

You're still heavily hooked on a particular guy back home, but as time goes on, you'll see him as more of a safe haven after the mistakes you've made with the guys down here.

"End of the school year" dinner

Speaking of which, while you've always been a smart girl, PLEASE open your eyes and realize when guys are trying to run game on you. They see you as an "easy target" because of your naivete, but you'll wise up soon enough.

Don't invest too much time in friendships where the energy you put in isn't reciprocated. Unfortunately, you'll have to learn that the hard way, but once you weed out the bad ones, you're left with the most amazing friends....especially your top three.

At the beginning of your second semester, you'll meet your "sister" and her family. Stick with them.

You'll have your own family drama but you'll find a way to bring everyone back to their senses...you always do.

One of the top three

Remember that it's okay to show emotions. You aren't a robot. I understand that letting someone know the real you is frightening, but you have to. It's something you'll wrestle with for the next few years.

Oh and the minor problems you're having with a roommate are NOTHING compared to what you'll experience with future roommates....especially once you move.

You may think that you know it all and that you know how to handle everything, but after a life changing experience later on in life, you'll learn that sometimes a little help is necessary. You'll become the epitome of strong.

Last but not least, your journalism career will take off and only reinforce your love for all things news in the first place. Seize every opportunity that comes your way, because they'll make you the successful journalist you are today.

The things you'll experience will make you unstoppable. Stay true to yourself and love yourself because you are going to be amazing.

Love,

You.

What would you write to your 18-year-old self?

Newest Target For Thieves: Hair Stores

2011-09-02T23:39:00.002-04:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I love my hair.

I'm actually really simple when it comes to my hair but I admire women who are adventurous when it comes to theirs. It's amazing to me how one week a woman can have a short bob and the next long wavy tresses down to her back.

Hair is a wonderful thing and I understand people love it, but this new trend with robbing hair stores is quite the mess.

There have been a string of hair store robberies in the metro Atlanta in the past few weeks. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution thieves go straight to the most expensive type of hair (Indi Remi) and quickly run out the store.

courtesy of ajc.com

The valued cost of the hair stolen? Nearly $50,000.

This isn't just a "one-time" occurrence. This past June a thief in southwest Atlanta stole $30,000 worth of hair extensions.

It's not just in Atlanta either, California, Texas and Michigan have all suffered hair store robberies within recent months with the most expensive robbery valued at $150,000.

According to police, once the hair is stolen, it is usually sold on the streets or on Ebay.

Now, I know times are tough, but hair stores? So now I have to worry about being caught in the midst of a robbery when all I wanted was some hair grease?

For those of you who might not understand the depth of how serious this is (especially in the Black community) watch Good Hair by Chris Rock. That will teach you everything you need to know about this intricate business.

Play.

2011-08-30T00:14:00.000-04:00

This is why I continue to love and support my favorite singer Goapele.

Her voice is unique and smooth like butter. When she sings, she sings about things that matter go listen to Change it All, If We Knew, It Takes More, Red White and Blues!

But when she does a "mature" song....oh she knows how to do it! Milk and Honey was on CONSTANT repeat the entire summer in 2009. Now Goapele has released Play. It's a sexy and subtle song about...well...listen for yourself and find out.

Oh how I miss the days where musicians sang about "doing stuff" without being explicit and only using witty undertones alluding to their feelings.

My Annoucement....

2011-08-28T23:36:00.001-04:00

Well, Beyonce showed the world her announcement tonight and I have mine.....


courtesy of holidaylines.com

I'M GOING TO BUENOS AIRES!

This April I will go to Buenos Aires for a week and a half.

What's the occasion? Naomi has enough frequent flyer miles to get her there! Wouldn't you do the same if you were in my position? I thought so.

A wise woman once told me, "Travel. You're young, not married, no kids. GO!"

I'm extremely excited and will of course keep you updated on all of my adventures. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get to sleep because I have my first day of work tomorrow. Goodnight!

My Travel Bucket List!

2011-08-22T19:41:00.001-04:00

A lot of people ask if I have a bucket list since I've traveled to so many places. Truth be told, up until a few weeks ago I never had one!

So without further ado, here is my TRAVEL bucket list. My personal bucket list is for my eyes only!

Live in Buenos Aires, Argentina for a year or two as a reporter with a local newspaper. (and see El Ateneo Grand Splendid)
Visit the pyramids in Egypt.
Walk the Great Wall of China
Visit Bali.
Lead a group of students on an international adventure.
Go on a cruise.
Go to the World Cup.
Learn French, Italian, Greek, Georgian and Russian
Write and publish a book.
Own a vacation home in the countryside of Italy or Paris or Spain
Go to Greece
Live in Georgia (the country) for a year
Visit Africa
Ride an elephant
Go on another missionary trip with my church
Host a foreign exchange student
Travel with my family
Get enough frequent flyer miles to travel anywhere and stay anywhere for free
Stay in a super expensive five star hotel for a weekend and order a ridiculous amount of room service
Start my own travel website

What's on your bucket list?

Why I Won't Travel With Groups

2011-08-19T18:02:00.000-04:00

After years of traveling with groups, I discovered the wonderful world of solo traveling. This past summer I traveled to Spain for an internship. Now, while I still was affiliated with a study abroad program, I was completely on my own and loved every minute of it. So here are my reasons, why I won't EVER travel with a group again:

Schedules
As a newbie solo traveler, I don't want to deal with strict itineraries or "meeting points" after our allotted "free time" or having a curfew because the group has a certain place to be in the morning. I can make up my own schedule, thank you very much.

No Independence
Groups are great when you're young and in high school, but I want to get my grown woman on and see the Eiffel Tower in the afternoon and then go back home and watch a movie. I want to talk to whomever I want and not have to worry about my group leader yanking me away as soon as I ask someone, "Do you like the food here?"

Bus Tours
No, I would not like hop off a bus for 10 minutes to snap pictures and then get back on and listen to you drone on about the next monument we see while it's blazing hot outside. In addition, I particularly don't care for the bus rides to another city with my group and being forced to listen to our group leader give the history on how cheese came to exist. Let me figure that out on my own in a cooking class.

Headcounts
If I'm forced to do a headcount one more time, I will personally hunt down the person who is missing and give them a wicked tongue lashing and a smack to the back of the head.

When I travel alone, I'm free to do whatever I want, whenever I want, with whomever I want and it is heaven. Now, don't get me wrong I've made wonderful friends on group trips and am grateful to have traveled with groups, but please don't ask me go with you to Australia as a part of your "Young Women Travel" group.

KC BBQ=L.U.V.

2011-08-17T23:45:00.001-04:00

Kansas City's Gates Bar B. Q.

I'll admit, I've neglected you for the past few years while I've been off at college, but reuniting with you after so long only makes our relationship that much sweeter.

The last time we were together was in 2003 after church on Sunday. It had become family tradition to drive an hour out into Kansas City for delicious ribs, ham and brisket slathered in the infamous Gates sauce.

On Sunday (what are the odds of that happening?) I happily dragged my Dad and brother out to KCMO so we could all rekindle our flame with Gates.

The restaurant looked just as I left it. No remodeling or renovations, just the same loud employees yelling "please" after every phrase, ESPN on every channel and the oddly suspicious quietness that filled the room from everyone chowing down on their food.

Just like old times.

Still the same!

We ordered the small party platter which consisted of bread, pickles, beef brisket, ham, ribs and the classic Gates sauce in the middle. Unfortunately it didn't come with any sides (seriously, the meat was enough), but we ordered fries and BBQ beans to compliment our meal.

Mmmm!

After being seated, I realized how much food we really ordered! However, with an athlete (my brother) and my Dad on my team, we dug in.

Needless to say, this was me afterwards.

I actually forgot how much I love Gates and now that I'm back in Florida, I'm depressed that there isn't a Gates remotely close to me.

Gates originated in 1946 in Kansas City, Mo by George Gates and Arthur Pinkard. Their website credits most of their success to their barbecue sauce (which I must add is YUM):

Gates Bar-B-Q is receiving national recognition due in large part to the strategic location of Kansas City. Being the hub of the nation, Kansas City attracts various groups of people from throughout the country for a variety of reasons including national political conventions, public officials conventions, business, industry, fraternal and professional conventions, as well as the American Royal, to name a few. Additionally, it is host to a number of college and professional sporting events. All these activities have brought many of these people into Gates' Bar-B-Q restaurants, thereby enhancing the Gates national image, but more importantly a continually rising demand for Gates Bar-B-Q Sauce on a national basis. People's views being that if they cannot have Gates Bar-B-Q in their own metropolitan areas, they will tout for the sauce being made available to them in their market areas.

Located in only six locations (four in Missouri and two in Kansas) I can say, its hard to keep our long distance relationship going! If only they'd move Kansas City-style barbecues to the South, not saying that the South doesn't have its redeeming qualities, I'd be one happy girl.

Until that happens, Sonny's will unfortunately have to suffice. Until we meet again Gates...until we meet again.

Another Year Older, Another Year Wiser?

2011-08-12T20:33:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was the annual observance of the birth of the magnificent one.

Me!

I have many goals for my 22nd year of living, but I have to wonder, at what point do you become wiser? Is it from the mistakes you made when you were younger? Is it a revelation within yourself to change how you act and your surroundings?

I still have a long way to go (I feel) until I can truly reflect on my life and say how "wise" of a person I am, but looking back on my life thus far, I believe that the things I've gone through (good or bad) have helped shape me into someone that I like.

I certainly don't credit my life experiences to make me some sort of "life guru" nor do I think I will when I get older, but I can say this, if you can step outside of yourself and see yourself and think, "hey I could be friends with this person" then that's all that matters. It doesn't matter how old you are or the type of life you live, it's about accepting yourself and truly liking yourself.

So I may not be the wisest person on earth, maybe no one at my age is, but I do like myself.

Me on my 22nd birthday! 08/11/2011

Travel Challenge: Day 15--Advice to Someone Who's Thinking about Traveling

2011-08-08T18:17:00.002-04:00

Go.

Seriously, what are you waiting for? There's no better experience than traveling abroad. There's no better way to truly get to know yourself than to go outside your comfort zone and meet new people. GO!

Camel ride in Morocco. Check.

Safety is an issue of course, but if you take the proper precautions before you go and once you arrive you will be fine! Trust me, I was in London when the 2005 bombings happened. Of course I was scared, but it was a learning experience on how I handle myself in those situations and I kept traveling afterwards.

Money. Depending on what group you go with it may be expensive, but if you REALLY want to go abroad, you'll find a way. Get off your high horse and take out a loan and take that trip to Russia. Your experience in a different country will pay you back! Do fundraising, work two jobs, save money--whatever it takes! Backpack! That's MUCH cheaper than going with a group. Just buy a plane ticket, and take trains and stay in hostels if you're traveling solo.

Grafton Street in Dublin, Ireland

Don't have expectations.

That's the one thing that makes someone not enjoy their time abroad. EXPECTATIONS. ex. Julie goes to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower with expectations that it will be magnificent only to leave disappointed because her expectations exceeded the actual work of art! Do your research and learn about the history and culture of the place you're going but then stop right there. Do not pass go, do n't collect $200.

Sounds stupid right? Well, I've had the most amazing experiences going to a historical monument that I knew nothing about. After I visited it, my mind was blown that I was standing in a cathedral that was built in the 1500's.

Stonehenge 2010

I always have a pleasant time when I travel by not hesitating, having no expectations of my destination and keeping an open mind. Hopefully this advice will help you! Now GO!

Go Hard, Excellence, No Excuses and Travel Challenge: Day 14--What Did You Learn from Traveling Abroad?

2011-08-07T16:46:00.004-04:00

I'm home from Philadelphia and I am pooped!

My apologies for not updating at all this week! We had eight hour + days on deadline, then no WIFI in the hotel room ($10 per day) and even though I could go to the lobby to use the internet, it was FREEZING down there! I suffered through it once and that was enough for me.

The NABJ Student Project was amazing though. I'm incredibly grateful to them for showcasing my reporting abilities and helping me network.

I'll admit that it was extremely stressful and draining at times, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.

The city of Philadelphia in itself was wonderful. My experience was the typical "star-struck small town girl sees a big city" reaction. It's funny because I've traveled to big cities across the pond, but had yet to go to a big city in my home country! Maybe that's why I had stars in my eyes.

Anyway, here are a few pictures of my time in Philly! Also, make sure to read the articles I wrote for NABJ!

Philadelphia!


Arch St

The view from my hotel

Jade, Ariele, Ashley and I on our last day with NABJ

Ashley, Jade and I at the Student Choice Awards

My roommate Ariele and I

The mentors and mentees! (L to R Demorris, me, Michael, Ashley, Jade, Michael and Delano)


The students! Jade, myself, Michael and Ashley. Great times!

Our motto for the 2011 convention: GO HARD, EXCELLENCE, NO EXCUSES!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now onto day 14 of the travel challenge! What have I learned from traveling abroad?

Keep an open mind to everything.

Could I have done this close-minded? No!

When I travel, I am a blank book waiting to be filled with new words, different languages and beautiful pictures. I want to take in as much as I can when I travel and the only way to do that is to keep an open mind to EVERYTHING. Whether it's religion, politics or something that I don't necessarily agree with, I keep an open mind to everything when I travel because it ultimately makes me a better person.

Travel Challenge: Day 13--Favorite Travel Quote AND I'm In the City of Brotherly Love!

2011-08-02T18:35:00.001-04:00

Before we get to where I am or why I'm here, I have to share with you my ULTIMATE favorite travel quote. Well, it's not really a quote but more of an excerpt from the fabulous book I'm reading (there will be a review of it soon!) A Year in the World by Frances Mayes.

"When travelling you have the delectable possibility of not understanding a word of what is said to you. Language becomes simply a musical background for watching bicycles zoom along a canal calling for nothing from you. Even better if you speak the language you catch nuances and make more contact with people. Travel releases spontaneity. You become a godlike creature full of choice free to visit the stately pleasure domes make love in the morning sketch a bell tower read a history of Byzantium stare for one hour at the face of Leonardo da Vinci’s Madonna dei fusi. You open as in childhood and – for a time – receive this world. There’s the visceral aspect too – the huntress who is free. Free to go Free to return home bringing memories to lay on the hearth."

Beautiful.
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In other news, I'm in Philadelphia! I've liked what I've seen so far too. I'm here for a journalism convention with the National Association of Black Journalists Student Multimedia Project (what a mouthful!) and while they are keeping me busy, I'm loving every minute of it.

Travel Challenge: Day 12--Someone Who Influenced You To Travel Abroad

2011-08-01T01:55:00.002-04:00

Hmmm....

In all honesty, no one influenced me to travel abroad. My parents lived in Germany for three years, but I never knew the ins and outs of it so I can't really say that they contributed to my wanting to travel.

I think it was engrained in me to travel from birth! Once I began to travel, certain TV shows and books fueled my desire to travel more, but the initial start of my traveling abroad was influenced by no one. Sorry this isn't more interesting!

Travel Challenge: Day 11--Milestones or “Firsts” While Traveling or Living Abroad

2011-07-30T18:55:00.000-04:00

It was quite hard for me to think about any milestones or "firsts" I had while abroad, but I finally thought of two good ones.

Doing my "business" in a trashcan.
This may be TMI for some, but it was for a good cause! My first trip out of the country was a missions trip to Saltillo, Mexico when I was 15. I was told that the toilet system at the hotel wasn't up to par and that it'd be best to do my "business" in a trashcan and then take it to the dumpster once I was finished. Of course, I followed the rules, only to find out that there was nothing wrong with the toilets! It was quite embarrassing and a "first" for me on my first trip outside of America, but hey, we were there to help those in need and that's what was important!

Traveling to Spain alone.
Believe it or not, my most recent trip abroad was actually my first trip alone. I've always traveled with a group and a set itinerary. ALWAYS. This trip was something that I really wanted to do and I did it! As Murphy's Law goes, everything on my first trip alone went horribly wrong. I missed two flights, lost my luggage, couldn't find my apartment among many other things, but I survived! Once I got into the groove of things, I asked myself, "why did I not do this sooner?" It was definitely a milestone to be completely alone in a foreign country, but I loved every minute of it!

My second day in Spain, taken before I went to work.

Travel Challenge: Day 10--A Favorite Foreign Film

2011-07-29T12:36:00.005-04:00

Hands down, Ricordati di Mi (Remember Me, My Love). This is an Italian movie with so much passion, emotion and raw power that at the end you feel like you were a part of the family!

It's about a dysfunctional Italian family. A father who has an affair with an old flame. A mother who is trying to revive her dull life by returning to her first love: acting. A daughter who wants to be a superstar and a brother who doesn't know who he is or what he wants from life.

It may sound like a cliched film, but trust me, the acting makes up for it.

Travel Challenge: Day 9--A Song You Like from Another Country/Language

2011-07-28T02:36:00.000-04:00

Anyone who knows me, knows that my taste in music is very eclectic. I don't discriminate against any type of genre of music! I feel like a broken record saying this, but obviously I couldn't just choose ONE song that is my favorite. However, the most recent song that I am LOVING from in another language and from another country is: Cuatro Elementos by La Musicalite.

This song is on constant repeat! Take a listen below.

Other runner ups for this category: Jai Ho by A R Rahman, Aaj Ki Raat by Don and the ENTIRE Mi Plan album by Nelly Furtado!

Travel Challenge: Day 8--A Favorite Food From Another Country

2011-07-26T16:35:00.000-04:00

I'm a fatty and I don't care who knows it.

I love to eat. I love trying foods from different cultures and different countries. It makes me feel more connected to the place that I am visiting, rather than ordering "Americanized" food in a different country.

I've always loved Shepard's Pie. I first tried it at a tea house in, of all places, Kansas. I've been hooked since then, and when I finally went to Ireland and had authentic Shepard's Pie with Guinness, I died. As a birthday present, our bus driver bought me a recipe book of Irish foods. It's been thoroughly abused.

Photo via ifood.tv

Tortilla de patatas. I thought I knew about Spanish food before I traveled to Spain but I was sadly mistaken. Living with a family, I was able to eat typical Spanish meals and the day my host mom made tortilla de patatas, I kissed her. Seriously I did. A few weeks later, my friends and I had a dinner party and we made tortilla de patatas, but it didn't taste the same as it would from a woman who's been making it for years.

Photo via Chicho's Kitchen

I had this in London and my mouth thanked me for it! I can't remember the name, but as you can see, I had carrots, a huge flaky biscuit/bread type thing, parsnips and beef with Guinness flavored gravy.

Obviously I thought it was excellent! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to wipe the drool off my keyboard.

Travel Challenge: Day 7-- Besides People, What Do You Miss From Home?

2011-07-23T14:42:00.000-04:00

Daisy and Storm.

Daisy and Sky (R.I.P.) I don't have a picture of Daisy and Storm yet.

They are my pet birds and I miss them so much! I hate being away from them. They may be small, but they have a LOT of personality and they're so cute!

I've had Daisy (yellow) since my freshman year in college and Storm since last year. I can't wait until I am FINALLY reunited with them. Every time I hear a lovebird or parakeet my heart weeps!

Travel Challenge: Day 6--What Does "Home" Mean To You?

2011-07-22T14:07:00.000-04:00

Growing up as an Army brat, you quickly learn that home is wherever the military sends you. I don't have an exact definition of "home" like some others might.

Home means love. Home isn't a house or a neighborhood or anything to that nature. Home, to me, is the love and support that I receive from my loved ones.

It doesn't matter how far I travel or how spread out my family and friends are. Home is always with me, because I always carry love with me.

Travel Challenge: Day 5--What Do You Bring With You When You Travel?

2011-07-21T14:08:00.000-04:00

Aside from the important things like clothes, toiletries and that pesky little passport, there are certain items that I ALWAYS have with me when I travel.

My itty bitty denim purse that I've just decided to name Betsy! On almost every trip I've been on, someone always says don't bring a purse. Sorry. I have to have my purse! Betsy is great because she fits snugly under my underarm and out of the way. I'm usually able to fit, a map,wallet, copy of my passport, chapstick and any brochures that I pick up along the way. She's been through a lot, but always proves durable.

There's Besty!

Of course I'd bring a camera. I recently bought a new one last year that I absolutely love! I wanted to buy a Flipcam for video recording but of course just when I get up on technology they discontinue it. My camera is the basic digital camera, nothing too fancy, but it gets the job done.

photo via Google Product Search

My Bible. Every trip.Never fails. Whenever I need support, my Bible is right by my side.

My Bible is standing vertically

Depending on what type of trip it is, I'll bring my laptop. Recently, I found out that I have separation anxiety when it comes to Diamonds, so I bring her everywhere now!

photo via newfreelaptop.com

Last but not least, my diary. Sure I blog about my trips, but nothing beats pen and paper for me.


photo via blackbirdballard.com

Travel Challenge: Day 4--A Picture of You in Another Country

2011-07-20T13:54:00.001-04:00

This is me in the Plaza de España in Sevilla, España! This is one of my favorite places to go, but I try not to go so often because of how hot it is! Of course, there's no type of shade unless you walk across the plaza to get to the actual building. It really isn't that far of a walk, but when it's over 100 degrees, you feel like you've given the Devil a piggyback ride! Still, it's gorgeous nonetheless.

Travel Challenge: Day 3--An Adventure or Challenge While Traveling

2011-07-19T13:41:00.002-04:00

My trip to Ireland was an adventure in and of itself mostly due to the fact that I hadn't experienced a country as pure as Ireland before and because of the lovely people who were in the group.

I always say that I don't have a comfort zone, but looking back on this particular trip, I can say wholeheartedly that Ireland threw me through a loop.

I've never been too much of a thrill seeker. I like to play it safe. I was content with staying at O'Brien's Tower on the Cliffs and fighting off the tornado winds (on an already cold day) that were coming our way.

However, my friends Laura, Emily and Lauren all suggested that we go to the other side of the Cliffs...and past this sign:

I may have appeared excited, but in reality, I thought I was going to faint. The further and further we walked the less people we saw, which in my book, isn't a good sign.

We started taking pictures, that I sometimes can't even stomach to look at because of how high up we were and how close to the edge of the CLIFFS OF MOHER we were.

We took pictures of us jumping.

We took pictures of us sitting as close to the edge of the Cliffs we could get.

We took pictures that created the illusion that we were thisclose from being one step away from our doom!

I can successfully say that Ireland gave me my first big adventure while abroad, but don't let the smile in the pictures fool you, these pictures show Naomi the "daredevil," but I was a quivering, teeth chattering, chicken.

Travel Challenge: Day 2-- Where You'd Like to Travel Next

2011-07-18T13:29:00.002-04:00

photo via travellounge.com

There are so many beautiful places in the world that I want to see! It doesn't help that I've discovered that I have 21,981 frequent flyer miles What does that mean?

Well according to American Airlines website, with the amount of miles I've accumulated so far (and it doesn't expire until December of next year) I can either go to the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, Central America or South America.

Just knowing, that I have the option to fly to any country I want to, FOR FREE, makes it incredibly hard for me to just pick one place. However, I have narrowed it down.

Greece

I have been dying to travel to Greece ever since I was 15. The actual desire to go to Greece stemmed from Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants! Seeing Lena in gorgeous Santorini only fed my hunger to travel there someday.

photo via wallpaperbase.com

One of my friends invited me to go for Spring Break but I couldn't because I was already traveling to London and Mexico that summer and we were in a bit of a financial bind. Maybe I should use my frequent flyer miles on Greece....

Egypt

photo via egypttalks.com

My father was in the Army and had to travel to Egypt for four months on business. When he returned, he brought ALL of Egypt back. Seriously. We had silverware (it was gold though) with King Tut on it, we had a disgusting amount of keychains, necklaces with our names in hieroglyphics, pottery, and my favorite: an Alabaster Bust of Nefertiti Lamp.

I'm a history buff and Egypt is my weakness! I vowed at the ripe age of nine that I'd go to Egypt just like my Dad did. All this talk of Egypt makes me want to watch The Mummy....

Buenos Aires

One word: El Ateneo Grand Splendid.

Georgia

I had the opportunity to travel to Georgia to teach English, but turned it down because I wanted to get established in my career before I went to another country for a year. So many of my advisers and peers told me (and still tell me) NOT to go to Georgia but I am longing to travel there. I don't know why, but Georgia has a hold on me and I want to see what it has to offer!

Those are the places that I want to go to next, but as Terri said when she wrote about where she'd like to travel next, sometimes imagining about the places you want to go is more fun.

"Who knows? I may not ever go to any of these places, but I admit that half of the fun is just dreaming about them."

Travel Challenge: Day 1--Favorite Place(s) You've Been To

2011-07-17T15:57:00.002-04:00

I saw this travel challenge on my new favorite website Try Anything Once and I'm up for the challenge!

So lets get started shall we?

Italy and Morocco are my absolute favorite places I've been so far. Done. No contest.

Firenze, Italia!

It was hard to choose between the two, so I didn't!

No words can even begin to describe the love that I have for Italia. I love the locals, the history, the culture and of course the gelato. We only spent 5 days in Italy but it was enough for me to fall completely, head over heels in love! Also, we passed through Piedmont region where Nutella was born and anyone who knows me knows my obsession with Nutella. Sure, I gained some weight in Italy, but between gelato, nutella, great food and great company it seemed inevitable and I had no problem with that.

Then there's Morocco, a complete contrast to Italy, but I think that's why it's one of my favorite places. I visited with my language school for the weekend and it was such a humbling experience. We visited the medinas of Tetouan, Tangir and Chefchaouen just to see how locals lived and I enjoyed every second of it, but I could've done without seeing chickens killed.

In Morocco with my tour guide Abdul and Debra

The colors of Morocco are a major reason as to why it's one of my favorite places. The reds and blues and yellows and greens of the different spices, vegetables, shoes were so vibrant and bright that it was almost blinding. The loud noises of chickens squawking and merchants bartering assaulted my ears but I thought it was beautiful.

If I roll Morocco and Italy together as country then we have a loud colorful Nutella gelato country and I have no problem with that.

What? You've Never Seen a Black Person Before?

2011-07-12T17:24:00.002-04:00

I'm Black.

Whether it's been negative or positive, my skin tone has always caused quite the commotion when I travel. It's almost like I'm a celebrity.

People either look at me like I have three heads or worship the ground I walk on. Sometimes I want to scream at them and say, "HAVE YOU NEVER SEEN A BLACK PERSON BEFORE?"

Then I realize that maybe countries like Australia and Spain don't have many Black people and even if they do, maybe they don't know how to interact with them..Who knows.

"For you, 50 percent off because I just love Black people."

All I know is that whenever I travel I am either, stared at, whistled at or am the victim of a flash run (take a picture without me knowing until the flash goes off and all I see are butt cheeks and elbows running down the street), and I'd like to happily do without any of that.

I'm happy to take a picture with a local if they ask. I love having my picture taken! It actually brightens my day when someone says, "Excusa...photo...you?" Just ask for my photo.

I assure you I won't bite.

It still amazes me how fascinated people are just by a darker hue that they stare at me endlessly or call me "morena guapa," or "Chocolate Shakira."

Once in Italy, I received a beautiful painting 50 percent off just because I was Black! The artist said that she loved Black people so much and that she loved how dark I was. Of course I took it.

In Spain though, EVERYONE (and I do mean everyone) just stares. My program director said it's because I'm "the most exotic thing they will ever see."

Interesting.

In Ireland, men would "smooch" at me or ask me out on dates, which really boggled my mind because I honestly thought they wouldn't even care about Black girls. Apparently they do.

Seriously where are all the Black people in these countries? It seems like every time I visit a country, I'm either being chased down by the local men or being stared at. Black people come out of hiding and educate your fellow citizens so that I'm not uncomfortable!

Abdul from Morocco who calls me his "sister"

This just doesn't apply to Black people though because I know plenty of freakishly tall me or redheaded females that get ogled at for days on end when traveling as well.

So Black people, blondes, little people, girls with eight toes and everything else in between make your presence known in your country! However, if you choose not to, these encounters always make for a good story!

No Comment

2011-07-06T17:59:00.000-04:00

After a grueling six weeks in court, accused "tot killer" Casey Anthony was read her verdict.

NOT GUILTY.

My timeline was filled with comments comparing the verdict to OJ Simpson, saying that if she was Black she would've faced jail time and my personal favorite, how America values animals over children (ex. Mike Vick).

Either way, what's done is done in the case of Casey Anthony. However the question will remain, "Will the truth ever come out about what happened to Caylee Anthony?"

Instead of commenting on the verdict, I'll just let this video of the Creative Loafing staff's reaction to the verdict do the talking for me.

Lights, Camera, Bookstore!

2011-07-01T20:33:00.003-04:00

It's no secret that I love books.

I'm obsessed with books. I could easily spend an entire day in a bookstore. They don't have to be fancy chain bookstores like Borders (slowly R.I.P.) or Barnes and Nobles. They can be a little "Mom and Pop" bookstore. As long as I'm in a place that sells books I'm absolutely content.

So imagine my surprise as I was walking home I came across Libreria Beta, a bookstore, on Calle Sierpes. I casually asked Ashley if we could stop in and then it happened.

I entered book heaven.

Sevilla has numerous locations of Libreria Beta. There's even a Libreria Beta located five minutes from my apartment, but this one was different.

This one was a former movie theater!


Libreria Beta on Calle Sierpes

Bird's eye view from the top floor

Books of every language surrounded me and I could hardly keep it together! I'm sure Ashley thought I was going a little bit overboard but I couldn't help it!

I rushed home still in a daze and immediately looked up the store and some background information on it. Unfortunately, there was no other information about it, but I did find other movie theaters (and other interesting places) turned bookstores.

image courtesy of Buenos Aires for 91 Days

Then I came across something worth putting on my bucket list.

El Ateneo Grand Splendid.

Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina it holds over 100,000 authors in all languages.

The theatre was built in May1919 by Peró and Torres Armengol under the name Teatro Gran Splendid in May 1919. It entertained Buenos Aires for about a decade with top-tier tango concerts.

In the late 1920's it was converted into a popular cinema and in 2000, the building was leased by a publishing house and became this wonderful monstrosity of a bookstore.

image courtesy of Buenos Aires for 91 Days

In 2008, The Guardian, named El Ateneo second in its list of the World's Ten Best Bookshops.

I personally would like to give adulation to the person who thought that leasing out a theatre would be a good idea.

Alas, until I can get to Buenos Aires, I shall give Libreria Beta too much of my money and spend an unnecessary amount of my time sating myself in the confined comfort of their books.

P.S. Here's a video of me having a "bookgasm" after my discovery of Libreria Beta. Book nerd? Sure. Do I care? No.

My Controversial Underwear

2011-06-27T15:34:00.005-04:00

A few weeks ago, my friend Ashley and I were walking our usual route home. We passed by a store we frequented, Intimissimmi, and were about to pass by the mannequin display when something caught my eye.

Tongues wagging, eyes bulging, hands outstretched....these men were after something. They looked like ravenous BEASTS.

"Hmm...I wonder what all those guys are chasing on those underwear," I asked.

"I don't know, let's wait and see," Ashley said.

The mannequin turned ever so slowly before finally revealing the most true to life depiction of my time here in Spain.

Ashley was off to the side of me dying from laughter while I just stood their with my mouth agape.

My first thought was 'Of all the different races in the world they have a BLACK woman!?'

It perfectly describes my life in Spain. I receive catcalls, kissing noises and of course the ever so popular "morena guapa."

"Naomi, you have to get it," Ashley said between breaths of laughter.

We went inside Intimissimmi and I bought the underwear originally intended for men.

However, I was confused with what was on the front of the underwear.

"What's a 'bunga bunga dance'," I asked.

"Who knows," Ashley replied.

I already had the feeling that it was a sexual innuendo of some sort, I mean, they're on the front of boxer briefs, so I went home and researched it anyway.

The term "bunga bunga" originated in 1910 with an unknown meaning. However, by 2010, it received a new definition.

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has caused quite the political scandal with his "bunga bunga parties." These parties are reported to have been erotic sex parties with a number of women, one including a minor.

In an article by NowPublic, the women of Italy are tired of Berlusconi and his antics and decide to protest. So what did they decide to do?

They throw underwear in his front yard.

That's where Intimissimmi comes in. Upon hearing this, the Italian lingerie store decides to make the "Bunga Bunga Dance" underwear.

That's how those underwear trickled down to me. While I bought them for a COMPLETELY different reason, it's quite comical knowing that I have underwear with such a controversial background.

The Dog Days Are Here

2011-06-26T10:46:00.001-04:00

Contrary to Florence and the Machine's song "The Dog Days Are Over," here in Spain they have only just begun!

For starters, it's usually about 100 degrees here and living in a house with no air conditioning is making it absolutely UNBEARABLE.

However, part of me wonders if my argument would be different if I were in Florida right now with all of its lovely humidity and heat.

The "dog days" also refers to the ever growing political unrest I've witnessed since I've been here.

There have been many protests since I first arrived. According to my intercambio Melanie, the unemployment rate is at 23% and a rough estimate of about 5 million are out of jobs, herself included.

Melanie told me over coffee one day that the people here are, "tired of the corrupt government. They're tired of not being listened to and now we're doing something about it."

Well what exactly are they tired of?

Metropol Parasol in the Plaza de la Encarnacion

Take the Metropol Parasol for example. It's the world's largest wooden structure located in the Plaza de la Encarnacion here in Seville. I went to go see it and it is absolutely breathtaking.

However, it cost 90 million Euros to construct and ironically, it can't be used. It's starting to weaken in certain places and only a certain amount of people can be on it at one time or else it will collapse.

So what's its use now?

It's used as an example to the government by protesters. Sevillanos stake out in the Plaza and hold their signs about how the government and politicians spend too much money on structures that can't be used, among other things, and aren't using any of that money to help its residents.

A sign in the Plaza de la Encarnacion. It reads: "Reflect is the reason for your anger"

The Indignados--The Angry Ones-- have been taking to the streets at any given time making sure that their voices are heard. Melanie even put a picture up of a dog with the sign "Indignadog" stating that "this is how we're being treated."

courtesy of Melanie Vasco

In an article posted by Reuters, Europe is more worried about Greece's financial crisis and how its effects are influencing countries like Spain rather than Portugal and Ireland.

A banner hanging from an apartment showing support.

The bigger question is how are these "dog days" going to shape the next generation? The Indignados are primarily made up of young people showing their anger and dismay towards the current situation in Spain.

Only time will tell, but I'm looking forward to seeing what will happen once the dog days are over.

What Have I Been Up To?

2011-06-24T04:48:00.007-04:00

It may seem like I haven't updated this blog in months but that's NOT true. I deleted a lot of posts that I thought weren't "good enough" in my taste and then renamed it...and add in the fact that my computer decided to die on me and so for a month (abroad of course) I was without my computer. Ugh.

So, since my last entry a lot has happened.

1) Naomi is a University of South Florida graduate. HOLLER!Yes, as of May 5, 2011, I am an alumni of my university and am now out in the world looking for a J-O-B.

2) I moved to Spain!

Just for the summer, but currently I am here on a journalism internship and I am loving every minute of it!

3) National Association of Black Journalists Student Multimedia Project

*photo courtesy of nabjdigital.wordpress.com

Isn't that a mouthful!? I applied and was accepted into their program so once I return from Spain, I will leave to PHILADELPHIA (pretty big deal for someone who's never been further than Kansas) for a week to cover all things journalism and network with other journalists.

Those are just some brief updates on my life! After graduation and certain life conflicts, I feel like my life has COMPLETELY turned around. So stay tuned for more posts about Spain, Philadelphia, and news in general! Also, make sure to follow me on Twitter @naomiprioleau

Apparently I Have a Signature Pose.....

2011-03-26T17:26:00.001-04:00

Every now and then I go through my pictures on my computer. Last week, while deliciously on Spring Break at my Mom's I decided to relive my glory days abroad.

Instantly I was flooded with memories of good friends and I in London or at Il Duomo in Florence. Then I realized...in a good portion of those pictures....I do a specific pose.

At first I thought to myself, "wow, Naomi you have that same pose in two different pictures in two different cities in different years!" Then, as I continued to go through my pictures, the pose became more apparent.

My signature pose, is this:

London 2005 in front of the Buckingham Palace Gardens at age 15, aaaah so young!

Now usually I don't have an awkward looking face, but this is generally my signature pose and I ONLY do it when I'm abroad! In all of my other pictures from high school or college I don't have a pose like this. But when I go abroad it's a completely different story!

I do have a variation of this pose:

Florence 2009 on top of the Duomo

Here are just a few more of pictures from my trips that include one of the two poses!

Paris 2009 inside the ballroom in Musée d’Orsay

I love elephants! Paris 2009 before going in to the Musée d’Orsay

Just behind me ladies and gentlemen is our seating area! Rome 2009--The Coliseum

On the Thames River tour showing off Big Ben. London 2010

Here I am AGAIN showing off Big Ben like I own it. London 2010

Oh yeah, I think I'll just chill here in Bath, England. 2010

At the top of St. Paul's Cathedral. London 2010

Same pose different country. No biggie. County Clare, Ireland 2010


Ireland 2010 again. One arm on a rail showcasing the scenery behind me...you know like all the other pictures I have on here.....

After visiting Muckross Abbey in Ireland 2010. There just happened to be a deer in the area. See how I show it off?

I thought I'd show off this sign in Gaelic while was on Inis Orr in Ireland in 2010. I don't know what it says but I'm doing my signature pose so who cares!?

I wonder why I never do it while I'm in the states. Hmmm.....

You're a Writer? Oh I'm One Too....An Erotic One That Is!

2011-02-08T01:15:00.001-05:00

How many times has this happened to any of you writers out there?

When I was a baby freshman!

Recently, I was chatting with an extremely cute guy. He asked what my major was and I told him Journalism. Of course he assumed I'd be on television but when I told him, "No, I'm a writer." He replied, "Oh so am I! I mainly write poetry though."

Stop right there. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. I had a severe case of déjà vu. This exact moment had happened four years before when I was a naive and gullible freshman exploring my new state of independence.

Little ol' Naomi met a guy from her apartment complex (bad idea #1). They got to talking...he wasn't her ideal guy but hey, she doesn't discriminate! He asks her what she's majoring in....

Naomi: "Journalism. I want to be a writer."

Boy: "Oh really? Me too! I'm more of a poetry guy though."

Naomi: "Oh cool! I can't write poetry but I do love to read it."

Boy: "We should get together sometime and read each other's stuff.

Naomi: "Sure! That sounds great."

Sigh. Why oh why. What was I thinking!?

The next day he comes over (bad idea #2) and I take out some of my articles and he gives me a folder filled with his poems. I notice that he's not even READING my articles (ouch) he's just skimming them over and looking at the pictures!

I look down at what his poems and lets just say my eyes widened and my mouth dropped. Poems about licking and moaning and body parts....ick! I didn't sign up for this! I thought there would be poems about life and goals and dreams...guess not.

Picture via abiolatv.com

I quickly realized that this was his game! He was using this on me so that I would say "Oh wow...you're really descriptive," or "Oh wow...this puts me in the mood. Naughty boy!" Ha! Do you know who you're dealing with? You may have pulled the wool over my eyes this time, but I'm not stupid!

He asked me what I thought.

"It's interesting," I said.

"Interesting like how," he asked moving closer towards me.

"Just interesting....what'd you think of my articles," I asked slowly moving away from him.

"Oh they were good. Do you want me to READ you one of my poems?" He had the sex eye smirk* on his face. Oh he'd definitely done this before.

"No thanks. I have a lot of writ--I mean homework to do, so you better leave."

He attempted to say something else but when he realized I wasn't giving in or putting out...only putting him out, he shook his head in defeat and left.

I had seen him a couple of times after that, but ultimately I never heard from him again. I found him on Facebook a few months ago, and checked to see what he was doing since we hadn't talked in two years. He's still the same nasty guy he was back when I met him. Except now he has a herd of mindless sheep who applaud his pornographic poems. Yikes.

Fast forward four years later, when this guy tells me he writes poetry. I casually tell him, "Oh that's great. I'm sure it'll take you far in life." He wanted to know if I could critique it for him or if I would just read it in general. I declined, because...well, I am a very busy woman.

* sex eye smirk: When you seductively tell someone ONLY with your eyes that you want to have sex with them, and coyly give he or she the "Oh I know I'm getting some smirk." It has a 75% effective rate on females and a 100% effective rate on males.

SKINS!!!!

2011-01-21T20:12:00.004-05:00

My name is Naomi and I'm in love after three days with a show named Skins.
No. Not the US version, the original version from the UK.

But Naomi, isn't it rather rash to say that you're in love with something only after three days?

Well...when you know you know right?

I've been meaning to watch this show for a while and just had never gotten around to it. After I saw Slumdog Millionaire and watched the interviews with Dev Patel, I became aware of it's existence and thought "well maybe I should watch the show sometime if I can find it."

Now that the US has remade it, I decided why not start with the original? Let me say this. If you think you know witty jokes and British slang and sex, drugs and cursing...you don't know jack until you've seen the UK version of Skins.

I'm still on Series 1 but the five episodes I've seen so far are HEAVEN.

I love watching a show that shows the true nature of things. Yes, cable television, people swear and no, people do not always interrupt a serious moment with jokes. Shows like The Wire and even Degrassi: The Next Generation are the type of shows I LOVE because they are a "no-holds-barred" type of show.

I saw the first episode of the US version and then watched the UK version. There is NO comparison. Skins is brilliant and the actors are very fluid with their interactions and deliverance of their lines.

Now if you'll excuse me I have some Skins to watch....

We're Getting Closer and Closer to the Finish Line

2011-01-07T18:32:00.006-05:00

T-minus two days until the beginning of my last semester as an undergraduate!!! I'm anxious yet nervous to graduate and start the next chapter of my life.

That being said, let it be known that my course load is not for the weak at heart. I have no idea how I'll get through this last semester except by the grace of God....or His sense of humor.

So what are my plans for this semester which involves 5 classes (16 credit hours), over $600 worth of books, an internship and work?

Make it out alive.

All jokes aside I have set aside a few things I'd like to accomplish before I graduate and enter the "real" world.

1) Go to at least ONE basketball game. Yes, I have NEVER been to a basketball game at my school OR seen one. Sad...especially when we can get in for free! I love my school to death and support them in everything they do because I've had such a great time here. I've been to nearly every football game here and I think that they deserve the same attention.

2) Make all A's and B's this semester. If you saw the courses I'm taking....you'd understand why this is on the list.

3) Play hooky and spend all day at the beach. Out of the four years I've lived in Florida, I have not once skipped school just to go to the beach. In fact, I can count on one hand the number of times I've been to the beach since my residency in the Sunshine state. Sad isn't it?

4) Do more in depth stories at my internship. I've been interning since May and I love it! They've provided me with some GREAT opportunities and even greater experience however, due to my crazy semester last Fall, I haven't been able to give 100% of my time to them. This semester though, my co-workers won't know what hit them!

5) Get my FINAL piercing! I currently have 10 piercings! I want to get my very last piercing while in college before graduation. With the exception of my first set of earlobe piercings (which were pierced when I was three) I have had every other piercing of mine done while in college. I know that I'll have to say goodbye to my nose piercing once I graduate unfortunately, but I'll still seek pleasure in knowing that I have 10 other ones that aren't on my face. :)

Ignorance vs. Stupidity: The Dark Skin vs. Light Skin Edition

2011-01-05T22:31:00.013-05:00

The "Dark skin vs. Light skin" competition we have going on within my race has plagued us for centuries. You have people getting into arguments saying, "the blacker the berry the sweeter the juice" or "light skinned boys do it better." And it's not just the Black race either, I know many Indians, Latinos etc who face the same discrimination of Dark skin vs. Light skin. Heck, even White people are starting to say, "OMG you're so pale!"So are the people who continue to perpetuate this ongoing competition ignorant or just plain stupid? According to dictionary.com the word ignorance is defined as a "lack of knowledge, learning, information." So that simply means we need to be educated on a particular subject we're not familiar with right?

I don't know much about rugby. In fact I'm ignorant to anything dealing with rugby. Does that make me a horrible person? No. It means I just need to read up on the sport to gain knowledge on it.

Now stupidity has a completely different meaning.

Dictionary.com defines it as "lacking ordinary quickness and keenness of mind; dull, foolish, senseless." Ah yes, senseless is the word I'm looking for when I use it to define my next example of stupidity within the Dark skin vs. Light skin debate: Lil Wayne
Here's his life story for those who aren't familiar with him.
-MIDDLE SCHOOL drop out.

-Father at the ripe age of 15 (and soon becomes father to 3940284 children by 4380128 different women).

-He starts rapping and gets signed blah blah blah and makes the most amazing songs with the most wonderful lyrics such as:

"When you're great, it's not murder, it's assassinate / So assassinate me, bitch / Cause I'm doing the same shit Martin Luther King did."
His lyrics are truly life changing aren't they?

A line in his song "Right Above It" says “Beautiful Black woman I bet that bitch look better red.”

He's never been shy about his preference for lighter skinned women, but after a girl posted her encounter with him and the Young Money crew on her Facebook, it caused for huge uproar among dark skinned black women everywhere.
However true the encounter is, the stupidity of his comments about dark skinned women basically being the scum of the earth didn't surprise me nor anger me.

This man is a complete idiot who obviously hates his daughter. However he'll make an exception for his daughter Reginae because as he allegedly said to the girl, "my daughter is a dark skin millionaire that's the difference between her and you.”

Nice.

What are you teaching your daughter, who'll most likely go through discrimination from other Black men based on the "lighter is better" frame of mind, when you surround yourself around men (if you can call them that) who use the phrases, "oh you're pretty for a dark skinned girl"?

What are you saying about your ex wife who gave birth to your daughter? What are you saying about your own mother?

I'm not going to try to figure it out, because I love the skin I'm in and that's really all that matters to me.

Lil Wayne is the epitome of stupidity and I don't have the time or patience to understand about him. No, he's not ignorant, because if he was then maybe someone could actually teach him a thing or two about racism within a race and how it's a vicious never-ending cycle.

A cycle that could be broken if more people let go of their slave mentality, got an education and reached their true potential.

However, with unfortunate souls who reach the level of popularity like Lil Wayne and the mindless sheep who worship him and take his lyrics to heart, it seems like we'll stay putting each other down for years to come. But here's a solution:

Love yourself and love the skin you're in. Once you OWN that, nobody can take it from you or make you feel inferior about it, because when you exude confidence and love for yourself people will gravitate to that.

So do I care about Lil Wayne and his comments or anyone else who has a similar mind frame to him? No.

I actually feel sorry for them. I feel sorry that there's not a cure for stupidity because you can try to explain things to them all you want and throw books at them but until they WANT to incorporate a new way of thinking into their pea sized brains they won't understand nor will they care to. Stupid.

P.S. This is a rapper who DOESN'T DISCRIMINATE! :-) Why don't rappers like him get more recognition? Horrible management I suppose.

The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same...Right?

2010-12-31T12:53:00.003-05:00

It's New Year's Eve! So much has happened this year and truth be told, I'm bittersweet about it ending.

I've had my ups and my downs this year, had a great summer abroad and a KILLER semester these last few months.

Now, as the New Year approaches and I get that much closer to graduation in May, I find myself getting nervous and excited for what 2011 will bring. Obviously it'll bring graduation, but what about life after graduation?

I'll be in Spain for three months reporting for a local Seville newspaper in the language and then come home to life after college. I'm ready for it...whatever it may be!

I have my own resolutions for next year and those are to cook more, learn how to manage my money better and go to church on the regular.

For my blog, I'm thinking about switching it up. Everything! I will definitely write MORE and I will start incorporating more pictures.

My only setback is determining whether or not I should focus more on traveling abroad or on news.

Hmm...maybe international news and my daily musings abroad? What about a life after graduation type of blog? Tell me your thoughts!

With God, my family and my friends on my side, I feel as though NOTHING can get in my way. It hasn't so far! Here's to the New Year! May you all have a safe and Happy New Year. I'll see you all in 2011!

Books...Books....BOOKS!

2010-12-28T20:26:00.013-05:00

Recently, I went back to my hometown in Kansas. On the flight home, the reality of the new technological age punched me in the face. We have iPods, iPads, laptops, bluray discs and Kindles, but I don't pay attention to any of them because I don't use them.

This is coming from the girl who STILL doesn't have an iPod or even an MP3 player. I'm the girl who didn't buy a single DVD until 2004 because I thought VHS tapes were "easier" to deal with. I'm the girl who just recently retired my CD player only because it broke a few months ago. I'm an apathetic girl when it comes to the new gizmos and gadgets.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand. On the flight home, I noticed that as per usual the pilot tells passengers "no electronic device may be on during take off."

However, as he named off the list of electronics we couldn't use, he also said Kindles. Wow.

So someone spends over $100 on a computerized device that can hold a large sum of novels only to not use it when you need it most? I've never been a big fan of the Kindle, but to each their own. I happily pulled out my print version of "The Time Traveler's Wife" and began reading.

Are books really going out of style as the years progress?

I remember rushing to get to school when the Scholastic Book Fairs came to my school. It was like Christmas for me to leisurely walk around the library (my sanctuary) and decide which books I wanted to buy.

I'm happy that reading comes in a new form by way of the Kindle, but nothing can take the place of a book. Have we as a society been so far removed from the relaxation of reading an actual book that we get upset when someone hands one to us?

A perfect example is that brat of a child who received a book for Christmas and complained about it. If that were my child, I would shove those books down his throat and I'm not just saying this out of bias.

Children should be happy for any gift they receive on Christmas because they could have not received anything at all.

Some excuses for his behavior have been: "Oh well he's just a child!" "Did you want books when you were three?" and my personal favorite "He's just confused because he was expecting toys. He's adorable."

Call me self-righteous, but if not now at the ripe age of three, then when will he learn to accept ill-mannered gifts with a sense of decency?

So does this mean that book publishing is meeting it's doom?

Not necessarily, but when you have the Kindle outselling the number two best-seller (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows--print version) with an estimated 2.5 million sold on Amazon.com, the future doesn't look so bright.

It's great that more and more people are reading...but at what cost to those who are losing their jobs in the book publishing industry?

To all of the book publishing companies around the world, you'll always have me, the girl who rents and buys books and also make her friends and family BUY a book if they even think of asking to borrow one from me.

What Does Autumn Bring?

2010-10-13T16:09:00.006-04:00

It seems that when things get to hectic for some (myself included) that we forget the little things that used to bring us such joy.

Autumn.

I've ALWAYS loved autumn. I remember playing in a huge pile of brown, yellow, red and burnt orange leaves with my younger brother while my Mom made hot chocolate and my Dad continued to rake around us.

I loved the seeing the once blue skies turn to a permanent yet temporary gray. The smell of autumn is what really did it in for me. The crisp smell of cold. You may not realize it, but cold has a smell! It smells like pure fresh air with a hint of bitterness. Oh how I miss that smell.

I remember the autumn of 2002 fondly. I was in the 8th grade and had gone through a strong Anne Frank phase. It didn't help that we had a LARGE attic with windows, so you can imagine where I was the majority of my school year. I wrote in my diary as if my life depended on it.

I would come down from my dusty yet cozy heaven to eat and then go to my room after dinner and hunker down in bed listening to Norah Jones first album and read Money Hungry and drift off to sleep.

Then, I discovered the movie Sweet November. Done. After I watched that movie I was DONE. It perfectly described how I wanted to live! Maybe not in San Fransisco, but the month of November in my head was equated with the TRUE meaning of autumn. Hot tea. Good books. Good music. Family. Thanksgiving. That's my true definition of autumn.

Now that I'm in my senior year, I'm trying to appreciate every single moment of autumn, but that's hard to do when you live in a state that doesn't believe in any other season but summer.

I desperately want to go back to the years when I was in middle school JUST to have the season of autumn.

Right now, there's new music out from ALL of my favorite artists. Norah Jones (Nov. 2) Duffy (Dec. 2) Charlotte Church (Nov. 2) Andrea Lewis and Nelly Furtado just released a new single. Nicholas Sparks just released his book Safe Haven which I have yet to read until Christmas break because for Thanksgiving break I'll be writing my life away in Florida....as opposed to Georgia. Le sigh.

Alas, I'll always hold the dear memories of autumns in Kansas close to my heart.

Picture Time!

2010-08-07T19:50:00.007-04:00

I'm just going to let this post speak for itself. London, Dublin and Limerick. England and Ireland. Oh how I love thee!

The National Gallery

Big Ben and Parliament
The Tower of London Bridge

The Tower of London

Me in front of Big Ben!

The girls and I in front of Stonehenge.

Loves it!

London Here I Come!

2010-07-25T22:57:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow is the big day! I leave for LONDON, ENGLAND! I miss that place so much it's unhealthy!

Currently I'm still packing up to move out AND trying to pack for my trip but dangit it's hard! Ugh. Oh well, this will probably be my last trip until we get to London, so for now TOOTLES!

My Top 5 Rules for Flying

2010-07-21T23:57:00.005-04:00

Just a few more days until I'm reunited with my sweet city London and then off for Ireland! I'm so excited I could BURST!

However, I realize that some have never had the privilege of traveling overseas. *sigh* Let me tell you before hand traveling 14 hours on a plane as opposed to 3 hours to another city is no easy feat.

I'm not saying that I'm by any means a "travel expert" but I believe that my traveling since 15 and my love for airports and airplanes gives me some type of credit right? Right?

Therefore, I'll take it upon myself to give Naomi's Rules for Flying. Enjoy!

Rule #1: DON'T RECLINE YOUR SEAT ALL THE WAY BACK--I HATE this with a passion! There are some people who are completely oblivious to the fact that they are on a full flight with people in front, behind and to the side of them. Yet, these jerks still decide to recline their chairs and in the process squish poor little me. I'm already uncomfortable because I'm sitting next to someone who won't stop talking and the last thing I need is some overweight middle aged businessman taking a nap in my lap because he can't get "comfortable." Last time I checked my lap was NOT a bed!

Rule #2: GET EVERYTHING YOU NEED FROM YOUR OVERHEAD--People please! My head cannot withstand your "carry ons" that apparently have small children in them! Don't give me a concussion when you're getting something from the overhead compartment. If you need to get something, heck ask me I'll get it...as long as the broken pieces of your small rolling suitcase don't fly in my eye and blind me. Think. Think LONG and hard before you put that carry on in that small overhead. THINK. DO YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED? THINK!!!!!! Or at least make a list....

Rule #3: HEY MR. DJ I DON'T WANT TO HEAR YOUR SONGS!-- No. Really. I DON'T want to hear your Lady Gaga album. I have my own music that I'm listening to and if I can still hear whatever you're listening to, we will not have a pleasant flight. Also, when I politely ask for you to turn down your deafening music, do not proceed to give me the death glare or (true story) apologize and ask if I want to listen and then put your sweaty headphones on my ears! Yick! Just please be kind to your ears and my tolerance level. Thanks.

Rule #4: BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH--A friendly chat with the person you're sitting next to is okay at the beginning of the flight or random times when you're both awake, but I'm not your BFF and I really don't want to hear about your baby, your dog Skip, your ex or your job. There are some people that enjoy talking to their "passenger buddy" and that's just great. Depending on the person and my mood I'll have a great conversation. But when that lull hits (and you know that lull that I'm talking about) lets just go our separate ways and sleep or knit or watch a movie.

Rule #5: WHY YES, I WOULD LOVE TO BE A HUMAN CATAPULT--Seat grabbers. Ugh. I understand that you need to get up, but don't pull me so far back that I feel like I will go flying across the plane and into the cockpit. Try pushing yourself up with the arm rests. Try something that doesn't involve me getting whiplash or having my hair ripped out in the process. Trust me, it's not fun.
So there you have it, proper plane etiquette! Heed my advice people! These rules will take you far in life and help you to avoid hearing a mouthful of obscenities.

Other honorable mentions for the rules of flying include: Leaving the reading light on all night ♥ Sick people ♥ Silent but deadly ♥ Bad BO ♥ Arm rest hoggers ♥ Kids ♥

The Hills Finale

2010-07-14T00:10:00.005-04:00

Did you hear that?

That was the sigh of a loyal and VERY disappointed fan of "The Hills" .

Whatever MTV just showed and tried to pass off as the series finale AND after show was absolutely DISGRACEFUL. Really though...what was that?

The ending to the series was left for "your own interpretation" which I think was a lazy way for the creative geniuses of this show to get out without a real ending....not that a "reality show" would have a real ending...I guess. Still, I feel ROBBED!

Krisitin and Brody's "end" was a big WTF to me. Lo (whom I really don't care about) moves in with her boyfriend I guess....I don't know I wasn't even paying attention by that point. Audrina moves into a new house on the beach and Stephanie gets a boyfriend. Woohoo.

Yes, boys and girls after six seasons on air, THIS is how "The Hills" ends. What a way to go!

Maybe I'm just being bitter or maybe it's because I just didn't like seasons 5 and 6 because of Kristin and how the show became so weird, but I believe that the show wouldn't have ended the way it did tonight, if it had stopped when Lauren decided to leave.

The after show was absolutely terrible. Not so much because of the hosts mind you, but because of the crowd! All week they had the previews of the past reunion shows where Lauren would come out and she would get a standing ovation. What happened tonight?

......

Yep.
Crickets.
The crowd was so dead when anyone and EVERYONE came out that it made ME mad! It was quite disappointing. People in the crowd were more focused having the camera on them than cheering on the people that they watched for the past six years. Everything about the finale and the reunion was just horrifyingly terrible. The crowd, the questions, the failed story lines throughout the last two seasons just left me with a bad taste in my mouth.

Once again....did you hear that?
Yes. Another sigh of disappointment.

You've let me down MTV.
You've let me down.

07/07/05. Five Years Later

2010-07-07T14:12:00.006-04:00

As an American, I've noticed that when a crisis happens abroad, we all have unwavering empathy for the country and tend to "rescue" it. There was the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami which affected 14 countries and left hundreds of thousands dead. Then there was the 2004 Madrid train bombings and most recently the earthquake that absolutely destroyed Port au Prince, Haiti.

America runs over and offers its condolences and tries to donate any money or food to the families affected, and that's great. However, what happens afterward?

Today marks the five year anniversary of the London tube bombings. It was a terrorist attack that holds a special place in my heart because, I was there. At the ripe age of 15, I traveled abroad for a writing program and only four blocks away from my dorm, the explosion on the tubes happened.

No one really told us what was going on, but a few of the girls on the trip got a hold of a radio and eventually we were able to find out what happened. It was absolutely awful. The chaos, tears and rage that ensued London was inexplicable. I still remember this day every year not because I was there, but because of the I could feel the vulnerability of the city and saw first hand that in the wake of a disaster, EVERYONE does want to know "What's next?"

Experiencing September 11, 2001 was horrible enough, but I didn't understand the seriousness of the situation. Being that both September 11 and the London bombings were terrorist attacks I was able to come full circle and connect the feelings and raw emotions of the government and its citizens.

However, I do wonder do we as Americans run to help a country and then after we've done our "good Samaritan" act, forget all about it? Some do and some don't and I'm certainly not saying that we should hold candlelight vigils each year because, obviously it didn't happen on our territory....but should we at least acknowledge a five year or 10 year or even 20 year anniversary even if it didn't affect the country as a whole? Thoughts?

DAAAAAAAAAAAAANG!

2010-07-06T22:22:00.007-04:00

I'm gone for four days to enjoy a MUCH needed vacation (sadly without internet or cable) and I come back to catch up on my daily gossip sites and the entertainment world has gone crazy!!!

1)REGGIE BUSH AND AMBER ROSE--Ew. Really? Not that I care for either of them or Bush's ex or Rose's supposed ex, but these two have been seen "canoodling" with each other two nights in a row...well Mr. Bush definitely has a type. Fame whores with a big booty.

2)ALICIA KEYS FALLS WHILE PREGNANT--I told her on the BET Awards to get her pregnant self off of the piano before she hurts herself and BAM look what happens. On the second day of the Essence Music Festival where she is one of the acts, Keys fell on her behind, but she took a cue from that and sang the rest of her songs sitting down or standing up. Here's the video if any of you care to watch it.

3) LINDSAY LOHAN GOES TO JAIL--Well Lohan you finally did it. After missed court dates, probation violations and having your SCRAM bracelet go off, you've landed yourself in jail. Lohan has to surrender herself to the court on July 20th at 8:30 AM to begin serving a 90 day jail sentence. I would feel bad for her, but she had so many opportunities and chances to get clean because of her "star power" and she just blew it because of her "star power". Have fun in prison Lindsay. Maybe you'll go back to the Lindsay everyone remembers circa your Mean Girls days instead of this Lindsay. Yikes.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

2010-06-20T00:46:00.002-04:00

My Dad is truly the best father in the entire world.

He has given me the best example of what a REAL man should be. He's strong, kind, fearless, caring, loving, corny, takes responsibility, provides and isn't afraid to protect for the ones he loves.

After being in the Army for 20+ years, he definitely has a very secretive, shy and fearing presence about him but underneath is a complete GOOFBALL and teddy bear.

Maybe it's because I'm the middle child, but I've always been able to get what I want (i.e. travel the globe) from him. No he's not a pushover, but I'm always able to find that sweet spot in him (that and making him feel guilty for FORGETTING about me since I suffer the middle child syndrome) that makes him say "Okay Naomi okay...."

My Dad has ALWAYS been there for me and since I've been in college I've seen it more through my own eyes.

There aren't enough words to explain how much this man means to me. He's proven to be the ONLY man whom I can fully trust and unfortunately, not a lot of women can say that about their fathers.

God blessed me with an AMAZING father and while I do still fear the when he says my name *usually means I'm in trouble* I love my father with all my heart and can only wish that people could get to know even the smallest portion of what I know.

Happy Father's Day!

I Have a Small Obsession With....

2010-06-16T23:43:00.011-04:00

N U T E L L A.

Yes. Nutella. The hazelnut chocolaty spread goodness that should be ILLEGAL for how amazing it tastes!

Nutella is NOT, and I repeat, NOT for the faint of heart. One taste and you will fall in love. Guaranteed.

I first tasted this bit of heaven when I was in London in 2005 for a writing program. We were nearing the end of our trip and our group leader had us "reflect" on the trip with Nutella and french bread. Needless to say, I couldn't reflect because I was in a haze of whatever this chocolate seduction was. From there my love affair with Nutella began.

When I arrived home, my best friend and I would gossip, cry and watch movies with our never failing companion Nutella. Sometimes we'd add pretzels or grape soda to the mix, but our Nutella never left our side.

At the end of my freshman year in college I actually went into a Nutella coma. The last few weeks of classes before we let out for the summer, all I ate was Nutella, bread, and water because I was too poor to buy any groceries. The end result was not pleasant.

For a while, my undying love for Nutella had actually SUBSIDED. I felt that I had a grip on my addiction (mainly because it was taking a toll on my weight and how EXPENSIVE it was) but that was until last summer.

While on a train to Rome from Florence, our tour guide told us that Nutella was actually CREATED from the plants that we were passing by on our way to Assisi. Everyone immediately looked at me because I couldn't stop raving about how wonderful Nutella was. Now I thoroughly believe that the bus driver and the tour guide acted on this next part solely for me.

We stopped at a gas station and the entire group of 30+ sleepily and grouchily dragged ourselves to get snacks and use the bathroom. My friend Lisa and I were walking around when, there, in the center of the convenience store was this:

Nutella Snack and Drink. Why? Why God WHY!? I stood there paralyzed by love. "Naomi...Naomi..." the Nutella snack called to me, "Come closer....come closer." It's as if it had a power over me, and I obeyed. I gently picked one up (as if it was going to break if I picked it up normally) and examined it. Nutella in a small pouch. Breadsticks to scoop the Nutella out with. A refreshing lemon tea to wash it all down. If God has created something better than Nutella then I have no idea what it is.

From there, my unhealthy Nutella addiction started back up again. I introduced my friends to it and of course they LOVE it and to this day I still have my Nutella Snack and Drink container in my room (empty of course).

Mr. Pietro Ferrero, if you were alive today, I would A) SLAP YOU for creating the most delicious thing I've ever eaten (again....it adds on the pounds if eaten all the time, but honestly, it's so good who would pay attention to that?) and B) KISS YOU for creating the most delicious thing I've ever eaten.

The Person I Admire Most

2010-05-29T20:33:00.004-04:00

My mother. There is no one person that I admire more than this woman. She's the only person in the world that I want to emulate. My mother exudes confidence, intelligence, class and grace. You can go head to head with her on any subject from homosexuality to wrestling to relationships and she will SHUT IT DOWN in a such a classy yet firm manner that you will leave with your mouth agape.

All you have to do is meet her to see where I "get it all from". Her mind is brilliant, her body is AMAZING for a 50 year old and her beauty is timeless. I can only hope that I am HALF of what she is.

I strongly believe that my mother is the SMARTEST person in the world. She has both book smarts (two degrees) and street smarts. She's seen so much and been through so much, and is still positive and dignified.

She always encourages and supports my endeavors. She always knows exactly what to say when I'm feeling down even when I don't want to hear it (because she's always right). Sometimes she doesn't even need to say anything...just her presence comforts me.

I admire this woman, I respect this woman...I fear this woman and I love this woman. She's the greatest example of what a lady should be like, and like a fine wine, she gets better with age.

Top 10 Reasons Why I Love Summer Break!

2010-05-19T01:35:00.009-04:00

My junior year has come and gone here at USF and it's kind of bittersweet! I discovered a LOT about myself during my first year at this school but it has all been for the better if I do say so myself! However, I am THANKING MY LUCKY STARS that summer break is here! Well...not really! Yes, I am taking ONE class, and working and interning, but compared to this past semester, I feel so much more relaxed and here is why!

10. SLEEPING IN
I had neglected sleep SO much this past semester, that it should have been illegal. Between staying up late to finish studying for whatever crazy test I had, waking up (and oversleeping) to rush to my first class and then staying on campus all day, did not make for a very happy Naomi! Luckily, summer came and helped me to rekindle my relationship with sleep. Waking up at 11 or 12 and lounging around until my first class at 4 has DEFINITELY made up for all those hours I missed during the semester!

9. BBQ's
The thought of ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs and lemonade is making my mouth salivate while I type! A good family BBQ with friends and other loved ones is the definition of summer to me. There's nothing that can compare to it. Good food, good friends, good times! If you need help understanding what I'm talking about rent "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" and skip to their BBQ scene. Yum!

8. SUMMER MOVIES
Is it just me or does it seem like the BEST movies come out during the summer!? Prime example: "Sex and the City 2." Need I say more? There's just something about that ONE movie that's coming out in June or July that almost makes your summer worthwhile. The anticipation leading up to the release is unbearable and when the date finally arrives, you submerge yourself in the movie and its characters wholeheartedly. Mine was "The Notebook" back in 2004. Oh the memories...

7.AMUSEMENT PARKS
I think a resounding "OH HECK YES!" should surround this topic. If this isn't a reason to NOT to love summer then I don't know what is! I haven't been to one yet, but I definitely am planning on it. If you're back in your home state or planning a road trip, make a stop and go to an amusement park! From the overly priced funnel cakes, cotton candy and bottled water to the screaming people on roller coasters, really, what's not to love?

6. REKINDLING FRIENDSHIPS
We're all guilty of this. Especially if you've gone off to college in another state and have shamefully neglected your friends back home. I know I have (EEK!) Sometimes you just don't have the time to call and other times it simply slips your mind until you see them on Facebook and say "Oh I should give that person a call" but never do (GUILTY!). Now would be a great time to get on that! I always wonder "Why didn't I do this sooner?" Reminiscing on memories while creating new ones with an old friend always makes for a good summer.

5. TAKING UP A HOBBY
Now that the summer is here, I'm all into scrap booking! It's so much fun, so relaxing and so time consuming but I love it. The summer is a GREAT time (if not the only time) to really engulf yourself into a forgotten hobby you have. It could be bird-watching or stamp-collecting or skiing, WHO CARES. It's what you do for pleasure or relaxation and that's all that matters.

4.MUSEUMS
WHAT? Ew. Why? Well I don't want my summer to be a COMPLETE waste! Going to a museum or visiting an art gallery or seeing a play can and will be beneficial to you later on in life. I promise! Usually museums have some type of limited time exhibitions for the summer which I absolutely love.

3.BOOKSTORES AND LIBRARIES
Just thinking about being in a room filled with books makes me giggle like a small child. I can (and will) spend an entire Saturday in a Borders or library. I love not having a time limit or a the pressing matter of a paper to worry about. Summer is almost like a calling for me to spend my days lost in books by great authors...for free!

2.BEACHES/POOLS
There's nothing like laying out near a big body of water to make me appreciate summer that much more. With a good book in tow, sunglasses, PLENTY of sunscreen and a cute bikini on, I'm ready!

1.TRAVELING
We all know I'm a travel bug! I can't help it! Summer rolls around and I have to travel somewhere. I just got back for Key West last weekend and now am heading to Melbourne this weekend! Later on in the summer, Ireland and I are going to become best friends. Honestly, traveling helps you reevaluate your thoughts on everything mostly for the better. There are no words to describe how I feel about traveling, except that it's liberating and I believe everyone should travel to some place they've never been to. Abroad or domestic!

With that said, what are your reasons for loving summer break?